Although a 0-0 draw is not a win on paper, if you look at the table, Jose Mourinho's style of play in this match effectively gave the championship away. The lack of vigour in the important games has been a recurring theme throughout the season for his side.
Looking back, yesterday's derby was a perfect representation of Fenerbahce's season so far. Under Mourinho, they have suffered four draws and two defeats with 18 wins this season. Timing, however, is the important factor here.
During matchdays in which Fener struggled to score, Galatasaray's enthusiasm for the game was evident as they always picked up a three-pointer to widen the gap on their arch-rivals. Fenerbahce will therefore have to wait again to get their hands on their first championship since 2013/14, and even The Special One cannot change that.
Monday night's clash was the perfect example. In a match in which Gala's only aim was to show their fans their full commitment and possibly win, the visitors lacked heart on the pitch. The individual class of Mourinho's boys was evident time and again, but the team did not act as a unit. It was a contrast to see the whole Gala team celebrating every one of Fernando Muslera's saves.
The icing on the cake was the Portuguese coach's comment referring to the Gala bench as "monkeys jumping around" - the legacy of one of the most statistically successful coaches of all time continues to crumble, with criminal proceedings to be instigated with both UEFA and FIFA as a result of these words.
Galatasaray justified their decision to take action by claiming that Mourinho has "constantly made derogatory remarks about the Turkish people since the beginning of his coaching career in Turkey" and that a line had now been crossed.
Critical moment in the season
Galatasaray now remain six points ahead of Fenerbahce but already have the most important game of the second half of the season behind them. For things to get exciting again, the leaders would have to make mistakes and they have made virtually none so far this season.
Kasimpasa await next Sunday, at least an opponent who have actually scored at Rams Park and now have the support of the home fans behind them. However, a point would probably be the highest of their aims too, even if it doesn't really seem realistic.
Fener will host Antalyaspor and then face third-placed Samsunspor in two-and-a-half weeks' time.
Jose Mourinho can no longer achieve anything in the Super Lig this season but perhaps he will be able to generate envious glances from Galatasaray with a good result in the Europa League.
Gala are no longer represented in Europe after a bitter defeat to AZ Alkmaar, but this could again be construed as a plus point towards an almost guaranteed championship. Because they can now fully focus on the league, Gala could even be on for an invincible season, as was the case in 1985/86.
