With Fener and Cimbom guaranteeing the top spots in their Europa League groups and Beşiktaş still holding onto the possibility of a third-placed Champions League contingent through to the same competition, Turkey's chances of participating in UEFA competitions with six clubs in the 2011/12 season has increased. Turkey will be able to send a sixth club to Europe, especially if Portuguese and Dutch teams make an early exit this season.    

The domination of Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe in their respective Europa League groups and the recent success of Beşiktaş in the Champions League have set Turkish football's sights on increasing their coefficient to leap into Europe's Top 10 countries and gain an extra spot in European competitions.

Currently, the Turkish league lies in eleventh place just behind the Portuguese league, with both countries separated only by decimal figures. Gaining an extra spot in Europe would give one more Turkish team the opportunity to try their luck in UEFA competitions with success bringing extra funds to the club, which will only help to develop the Turkcell Süper Lig even further.

The increasing quality in play of mid-table TSL teams such as Kayserispor and Bursaspor has led to a cry out for Turkish football to attain another spot in Europe, so as to give one of these rising teams a chance participate in European competitions and not limit the chances to the Big Three Istanbul clubs and whichever team finishes fourth or wins the Turkish Cup every year.

The chances of Turkey achieving their ambitions depends on the potential failure of Portuguese and Dutch teams in European competitions and the continued success of Fenerbahçe, Galatasaray and Beşiktaş this season.

Despite Portugese teams not having their best run in European competitions, FC Porto will continue onto the knockout stages of the Champions League, while Sporting Lisbon and Benfica are to continue their successful campaign in the Europa League.

The Dutch, on the other hand, are having a remarkable European season with five teams looking to continue their journey in Europe. So the task is simple for Fenerbahçe, Galatasaray and Beşiktaş: to continue their run in Europe long enough to see the Portuguese and Dutch teams exit.

(Article written by Sabit Kozak; Edited by Mehmet Pozam)