Bilal Boutobba capped his season with an 11th goal as Hatayspor defeated Fenerbahçe 4-2, but the win came too late to salvage a campaign that ends in relegation from the Turkish Süper Lig.
The 26-year-old winger, widely regarded as Hatayspor’s standout performer this season, delivered another impressive display in what may be his final match for the club.
His goal — capitalising on a rare error from the Fenerbahçe goalkeeper — marked his fourth consecutive game on the scoresheet, underlining his strong finish to the campaign.
Despite the victory against one of Turkey’s most successful clubs, Hatayspor’s fate had already been sealed. A string of disappointing results earlier in the season left them rooted in the relegation zone, and their final-day heroics were not enough to alter their destiny. The club will now return to the second division, closing the chapter on a turbulent and ultimately unfulfilled season.
Boutobba, a French-Algerian dual national who came through the ranks at Olympique de Marseille, has managed to shine even as the team around him struggled.
He finishes the season with 11 goals and 3 assists in the league — numbers that place him among the most productive midfielders in the competition.
His latest contribution came in the second half, as Hatayspor pressed to consolidate their lead over Fenerbahçe. Seizing on a misjudged clearance, Boutobba calmly slotted home, triggering celebrations among teammates who knew the significance of his consistent efforts during a difficult season.
The match itself was lively, with both sides committed to attacking football. Hatayspor, freed from the pressure of survival, played with fluidity and purpose.
Their four goals reflected a sharpness that had too often been absent earlier in the campaign. Fenerbahçe, despite having already secured a top-three finish, looked disjointed and paid the price for defensive lapses.
For Boutobba, this summer could prove pivotal. His individual performances have attracted attention, and relegation is unlikely to improve Hatayspor’s chances of holding onto their most valuable asset.
Once touted as a rising star in French football, Boutobba has experienced a career of highs and lows. This season may prove to be a turning point, offering him a platform to secure a move and reignite his trajectory at a higher level.
Hatayspor’s relegation, though bitterly disappointing for fans, was not unexpected. Inconsistency, lack of defensive organisation, and managerial instability plagued the side throughout the year.
The win over Fenerbahçe, while a morale boost, only serves to highlight what might have been had such form arrived earlier.
Supporters now face an uncertain off-season, with questions about the club’s strategy in the second division and whether key players like Boutobba will remain.
For the player himself, the coming weeks will likely involve negotiations and transfer speculation, as he weighs his options for the future.
In a season where so much went wrong for Hatayspor, Bilal Boutobba’s individual brilliance stands out as one of the few bright spots — a reminder of his talent, resilience, and potential to shine on bigger stages.
