In just under a week, Galatasaray will be hosting Fenerbahce in a potentially title-deciding derby. But before the focus shifted to what should be a mouthwatering clash, both sides had a job to do.
On Sunday, Fenerbahce took on Kasimpasa, looking to - at least temporarily - cut the gap at the top of the Super Lig to three points.
Despite a brief second-half scare, Jose Mourinho's side were able to seal a 3-1 victory, making it seven league wins in a row and continuing their really good form.
Once again, Youssef En-Nesyri was the difference maker for his side, scoring twice, either side of a goal from Oguz Aydin.
A few weeks into the season, many doubted whether the Moroccan was worth the record-breaking sum of money Fenerbahce spent for him. He struggled to settle into life in Turkey, looking disconnected from the rest of his teammates and missing several big chances a game.
But he looks a completely different player now. An athletic centre forward, he uses his incredible aerial ability to score a header in what seems almost every week now, while his enthusiasm and pressing from the front are pivotal to Fenerbahce, especially when he is paired next to the much older and less mobile Edin Dzeko.
He is also the league's second-top scorer with 15 goals, just three behind Krzysztof Piatek now.
At the current rate he is scoring, it would be a surprise to no one if he caught up with the Pole at some point soon. He is going to be vitally important in the weeks to come, domestically and in Europe.
Attention then turned to Galatasaray, who had a tricky away trip to Rizespor on Monday evening.
A six-point gap ahead of the Intercontinental Derby would be a lovely cushion for them to have, but anything less, and suddenly Fenerbahce are breathing down their neck.
While the mood has been more positive around Fener of late, the same cannot be said of Galatasaray.
Despite their pretty impeccable league record this season, which stands out amongst the entirety of Europe, questions have always remained about manager Okan Buruk's coaching and tactical ability, with many believing he solely relies on the outstanding individual quality in his squad to dominate in Turkey.
These doubts have always reared their head in Europe, where Galatasaray have suffered a number of humiliating defeats under Okan. This was on show last week again in the Europa League, when the club were battered 4-1 at AZ Alkmaar, with many fans calling the manager out.
So, as you can imagine, this match against Rize was critical.
It was - for around 60 minutes - another torrid performance, similar to how they have performed in recent weeks.
Despite taking the lead straight after the half-time interval after the impressive debutant Przemyslaw Frankowski put in a lovely cross for Victor Osimhen to head home, they were very quickly pegged back by an Ali Sowe goal.
But the game turned on its head with the substitution of midfielder Mario Lemina, who was making his second debut for the club after having a loan stint in the 2019/20 season.
Lemina was signed from Wolves in January, with fans actually playing a large part, pushing for the club to bring him back on social media after he was made available by the English outfit. He was a massive fan favourite and really impressed in Galatasaray colours previously.
When he was introduced, the team's performance improved tenfold. There is no doubt that Galatasaray have been crying out for a holding midfielder to come into the team to improve the team's balance, while also freeing up Gabriel Sara to do a more creative role instead of playing almost as the No. 6 himself.
The presence of Lemina made them much more solid in the middle of the park, protecting the defence well next to Lucas Torreira. His confidence on the ball and ability to progress the play from deep were also so valuable.
With his arrival, Galatasaray grabbed hold of the game and started knocking on the door, before Osimhen scored the winner in the dying minutes, heading the ball into the top corner after Lemina himself got the initial flick on from the corner. Wild celebrations ensued as players on the bench ran onto the pitch.
The 2-1 win was indescribably important, but also perhaps equally importantly, Okan Buruk may have stumbled upon their best midfield. With Lemina, Torreira, and Sara looking far more balanced, fans will hope that performances will start to improve.
Of course, huge credit to Osimhen too. This is why the Nigerian superstar was signed: to be the difference and win games for the club. And that is exactly what he did.
Besiktas overcome Trabzonspor
In one of Turkey's standout fixtures between two of the country's biggest sides, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Besiktas went head-to-head with Trabzonspor on Saturday.
It certainly hasn't been the best of seasons for either club, with the pair languishing outside the European spots after a dismal start to their campaigns.
But their form has gradually been improving. Besiktas have been unbeaten in the league under Solskjaer, while Trabzonspor were unbeaten in their previous four games.
In the end, it was Trabzon's record that had to come to an end, as Besiktas continue to get better under the Norwegian.
Trabzon took the lead early on courtesy of the free-scoring Simon Banza, who bagged his 14th Super Lig goal of the season.
However, Besiktas battled back in the second half, with Rafa Silva and an Arseniy Batagov own goal giving the home side a fantastic 2-1 victory.
Besiktas now sit in fifth and two points off fourth spot. They are still quite some distance from third, but they are well within range of that Conference League position now.
As I wrote a few weeks ago when Solskjaer was appointed, I expect him to get the club back on track to an extent. He proved at Manchester United that he is a good man manager, and he can steady a ship - which is essential in Turkey.
Besiktas were in such a bad position under Giovanni van Bronckhorst, but he has gradually improved their performances and brought the positive vibes back. The team look to have regained some enthusiasm and energy, and the body language is just a whole lot better.
I highly doubt that Solskjaer will be the man to get them challenging for the title again, but he will most definitely bring a short-term boost. Whether he can kick on when expectations start to rise, I am not so sure. But with two wins and a draw from their first three games, it is so far, so good.
Highlight of the Week
Samsunspor continue to have a fantastic season, flying high in third place in the Super Lig. On Sunday, they secured a 1-0 win at Konyaspor, with Marc Bola scoring the winner with this sensational strike.
Team of the Week
Gaziantep defender Arda Kizildag is the player of the week according to Flashscore's player ratings after an imperious performance in his side's 2-1 win over Sivasspor, which included his first goal of the season.
Osimhen takes his place in the starting XI alongside teammate Sara, while Oguz and Bola also make the team after their fine performances.