The Cup final opposed Fenerbahce to lowly Mersin Idmanyurdu. Galatasaray and Besiktas – empty-handed and Fenerbahce with good chance for a double. Or not? The rise of the underdog in the Europe affected Turkey as well. To a point… Fenerbahce won both legs of the final – 2-0 and 2-1.
Mersin did what they could, but it was unequal battle even before the start: lowly, just promoted from Second Division team against one of the mightiest clubs, which was also in perfect form. Mersin lost, but there was no shame or blame. And because Fenerbahce was also the league champion, Mersin was going to play in the Cup Winners Cup – great! Relegated and going to play in Europe – weird fate.
Standing from left: Selçuk Yula, Hasan, Nurettin, Müjdat,Cem, Alpaslan.
Crouching: Erdoğan Arıca, Arif, Bulgar Mehmet, Önder, Osman.
Double winners – what a great season. And a good blow to the arch-rivals! Hardly the strongest team or season, but overall winners nevertheless. One rather curious player, listed here as Bulgar Mehmet – the young talent was born in 1959 in Bulgaria, hence the nickname. In reality he is Mehmet Hacioglu.