Trabzonspor Takes Lead Against Samsunspor on October 10

Trabzonspor took an early lead against Samsunspor in the Turkish Super Lig's seventh round on October 10, 2026, at Yeni 19 Mayıs Stadium in Samsun. Ernest Muci scored in the 28th minute after receiving a pass from Mustafa Eskihellaç, giving visiting coach Thomas Reis an early advantage in the league fixture.

According to Ajansspor, Muci collected the ball inside the Samsunspor penalty area before finishing to put Trabzonspor ahead. The Albanian attacker had recorded two goals and two assists in eight appearances for Trabzonspor this season, adding to his importance in the team's attacking options.

Before kickoff, Reis selected Franculino Djú to lead the attack instead of Paul Onuachu. Haber61 reported that the 22-year-old forward earned the starting role following his recent performances for club and country, while Onuachu began the match on the bench.

Djú had scored in both of Guinea-Bissau's recent Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches, against Tanzania and Nigeria. He also contributed an assist during Trabzonspor's 4-0 victory over Galatasaray, strengthening his case for selection. Onuachu, meanwhile, had scored twice in six league appearances totaling 431 minutes, according to Haber61.

The Nigerian striker also had a strong record against Samsunspor, scoring four goals across four previous meetings. Djú had registered one goal and one assist in three Turkish Super Lig appearances, playing 127 minutes before the fixture.

Reis also addressed his return to Samsunspor, where he previously worked as head coach. Speaking before the match, he acknowledged the changes in the home team's squad.

"I am happy to be here. This time I am here as an opponent. We see that many players have changed.

I did not work with most of them. There is a new group of players. But I am happy to be here again," said Thomas Reis, Trabzonspor's head coach.

Trabzonspor also faced preparation challenges during the international break, with 12 players called up to their national teams. The absences limited the first team's training opportunities, prompting the coaching staff to bring in players from the U19 squad.

Reis described the extended break as difficult but said the returning players avoided injuries.

"Of course, it was not very easy. The international break was also long. We know that a team like Trabzonspor has many international players.

They were with their national teams. They did not have the opportunity to train with us. Our colleagues from the U19 team joined us.

All our players returned healthy, without injuries. That was one thing that made me happy," Reis said.

He also explained the reasoning behind the appointment of new assistant coaches, pointing to their professional experience and expertise across different areas of the game.

"They joined us not simply because I like them, but because of their experience and their specific qualities in goalkeeping, attack and defense. I hope they will show that they were the right choice," Reis said.

Trabzonspor arrived in Samsun after beating Galatasaray 4-0 and aimed to secure consecutive league victories for the first time this season. The club was also seeking to end a 153-day wait for an away win, according to Haber61.

Before the match, Trabzonspor finalized a 21-player squad after traveling to Samsun with 23 players. According to 61saat, goalkeeper Erol Can Çolak and newly signed striker Ali Habeşoğlu were omitted from the matchday group.