No change of status quo at all – if Fenerbahce and Besiktas competed for the title, Galatasaray and Trabzonspor competed for the Cup, the leading 4 clubs dominating all tournaments. And just as the championships was tough and dramatic battle, the Cup final was as well. The opponents were well matched, none giving up a inch. A lot was at stake – the trophy itself, naturally, but also the last Turkish European spot – there were only three, so one team inevitably was out, and also a chance for both ambitious teams to win a trophy, to save the season. Galatasaray won the first leg 2-1, but away, prevailing in the hostile Trabzon. The second leg was scoreless and the Cup was theirs.
Trabzonspor was left emptyhanded this season, which was not exactly great for this fine squad. Standing from left: Necati Özçağlayan, Şenol Güneş, Tuncay, Şenol Ustaömer, Hasan Vezir, Güngör Şahinkaya. First row: Turgay Semercioğlu, Kemal Serdar, Osman Denizci, Lemi Çelik, Hasan Şengün.
Yes, a good number of Turkish stars were playing for Trabzon, but times were changing – having foreign talent was becoming a must. May be that was the little difference giving the edge to Istanbul-based rivals. May be Trabzonspor had to change its approach – competing with the rich and mighty Istanbul clubs was not easy anyway.
A club like Galatasaray cannot be really toothless even when having so-so season. Winning the Cup was fine compensation for the weak season and the heads were proudly up again. It was not an easy victory, but a victory it was and at least for the fans the drama of the final is enjoyable. It was also satisfying finish for Abramczik, who was not to play for Galatasaray any more. On the other hand, it was getting tiring to see the same clubs winning every year. Well, just tell that to Galatasaray fans…