Kelechi Iheanacho delivered a match-winning brace as Bursaspor overturned a one-goal deficit to beat title rivals Batman Petrolspor 2-1 in a top-of-the-table showdown on Saturday night.

A dramatic turnaround

Batman Petrolspor drew first blood through Doria in the 29th minute, but Iheanacho levelled from the penalty spot just after the hour mark. The Nigerian forward then sealed the comeback with five minutes remaining, handing Bursaspor three priceless points and extending their lead at the summit of the standings.

Speaking to reporters after the final whistle, Iheanacho made clear how much the result meant to the squad and to the city of Bursa.

"We are happy, we won today. It was a great victory for us, especially for the people of Bursa who were watching the game," Iheanacho said. "We knew it was going to be a tough game, but we came out on top and won. We are very happy to return to Bursa with a win."

Missing the fans — but feeling their spirit

One bittersweet note for Iheanacho was the absence of Bursaspor's travelling supporters at the ground. The forward said their presence was sorely missed but insisted their spirit carried the team through the difficult second half.

"To be fair, we really missed the fans today. Before the warm-up, I was looking to see if they were here. I don't know why they were not here, but their spirit was with us today," he said. "We fought hard in the second half to come back and win the game. Their spirit is with us, and we won for them and the entire people of Bursa, so we are happy."

Iheanacho's stunning start at Bursaspor

Since joining Bursaspor in the summer, Iheanacho has made a remarkable impression, netting 11 goals in all competitions and rapidly establishing himself as a fan favourite at the club. Saturday's double only adds to that growing reputation.

The win pushes Bursaspor three points clear at the top of the table. They return to league action on Sunday, October 11, when they host Mardin BB.