Antalyaspor still searching for an away win
After the 4-2 defeat against Beşiktaş in the 29th week of the Trendyol Süper Lig, Hesap.com Antalyaspor’s drought on the road has stretched to nine consecutive matches. The Mediterranean club has not managed to take three points away from home for a long time and now finds itself dangerously close to the lower half of the table.
The last time Antalyaspor celebrated an away victory in the league was back in week 11, when they edged out Eyüpspor 1-0. Since that narrow success, every journey away from Antalya has ended in frustration: four draws and five defeats underline how much the team has struggled outside its own stadium.
In this gloomy run, the red-and-whites recorded goalless draws against TÜMOSAN Konyaspor, Corendon Alanyaspor, Kasımpaşa and RAMS Başakşehir. These 0-0 results highlight a recurring problem: Antalyaspor can be compact and defensively disciplined at times, but often lack the cutting edge needed to turn stalemates into victories.
The defeats, however, have done the real damage. Antalyaspor lost 2-1 to Kocaelispor, while narrow 1-0 reverses against Mısırlı.com.tr Fatih Karagümrük, Zecorner Kayserispor and Çaykur Rizespor showed how costly small mistakes can be at this level. Each of those matches could have yielded at least a point, yet individual errors and lapses in concentration tilted the balance against them.
The latest chapter in this away nightmare came at Vodafone Park, where Beşiktaş ran out 4-2 winners. Despite managing to score twice against one of the league’s heavyweights, Antalyaspor again left empty-handed and remained stuck on 28 points. This result cemented their position in 14th place, keeping them uncomfortably close to the relegation battle.
One of the few bright spots in this difficult period has been the form of Dutch midfielder Sander van de Streek. By scoring against Beşiktaş, he reached six league goals for the season, making him Antalyaspor’s top scorer. His ability to arrive late in the box and finish chances has been crucial for a team that often struggles to create clear opportunities.
Swiss forward Samuel Ballet is another player who has stepped up in attack. He also found the net in the Beşiktaş match, taking his league tally to four goals this season. While the team’s overall offensive output remains inconsistent, Ballet’s movement and energy offer an important alternative alongside van de Streek.
Antalyaspor’s next challenge could prove decisive in changing the mood around the club. In week 30, on Friday 17 April, they will host TÜMOSAN Konyaspor. Given that one of their rare positive away results in recent months was a 0-0 draw against the same opponent, the team will be eager to show that it can convert a solid defensive performance into three points on home soil.
The coaching staff faces a clear tactical dilemma: how to maintain defensive stability without sacrificing attacking ambition. Away from home, Antalyaspor have often opted for a cautious approach, prioritising a compact shape and low-risk football. This has sometimes worked in terms of limiting chances for the opposition, but it has also left their forwards isolated and reduced the number of scoring opportunities.
Another factor in the away struggles is the psychological side of the game. Long winless streaks can quickly turn into a mental burden. Players step onto the pitch already aware of the statistics, and any early setback – a conceded goal, a missed chance, a refereeing decision – can increase anxiety. Breaking this negative cycle usually requires either a statement performance or a bit of luck that swings a tight match in their favour.
Squad depth is also under scrutiny. In several away games, Antalyaspor have started strongly but faded in the final 20-25 minutes. This suggests that rotation, fitness levels or the quality of options coming off the bench might not be sufficient to maintain intensity for the full 90 minutes. When opponents introduce fresh legs, Antalyaspor sometimes struggle to respond with the same dynamism.
Set pieces are another area where the club could look for improvement. For teams that find it difficult to score from open play, corners and free-kicks become a vital source of goals. With players like van de Streek, who is strong in the air and reads the game well, better routines and more precise deliveries could help turn tight away matches in their favour.
Looking ahead, the fixture list will not be forgiving. Antalyaspor still have several demanding trips to make, and any further slip-ups could drag them deeper into the danger zone. Transforming their away form will be crucial, not just to climb the table, but also to reduce the pressure in home games, where the expectations of supporters are always higher.
From a strategic point of view, the coaching team may consider switching systems depending on whether the team plays at home or away. A more compact 4-5-1 or 3-5-2 on the road, with rapid transitions through the wings, might suit their current squad. In contrast, home matches could call for a more attacking shape that brings an extra creative player onto the pitch to support van de Streek and Ballet.
Leadership within the dressing room will also be key in navigating this difficult period. Experienced players must help the younger members of the squad cope with pressure, maintain belief and stick to the game plan. Often, a single hard-fought away win is enough to restore confidence and completely change the team’s body language in subsequent matches.
At this stage of the season, every point counts. For Antalyaspor, improving away performances is not just a matter of pride, but a necessity to secure their Süper Lig status. If they can tighten up at the back, make better use of their attacking weapons and keep their composure in key moments, there is still time to turn this worrying trend around. For now, however, the statistics are clear: Antalyaspor remain desperate for an away victory, and the pressure to finally end that run grows with every passing week.