With Galatasaray’s first loss, things heat up in Super League
AFTER a horrid start to the season, Trabzonspor staged a turnaround Sunday as they achieved the seemingly impossible by bringing league leader Galatasaray’s unbeaten streak to a halt. The Black Sea side prevailed where nine others have failed so far this season, handing the table toppers their first defeat of the season in an eventful match that ended 2-1 at the Medical Park Stadium. Coming in from two back-to-back losses, the hosts started the match with an attacking intent while Galatasaray tried to slow down their opponents with counterattacks. The first half of the match was goalless, but in the 45th minute Trabzon- spor’s Olcay Şahan from and Galatasaray’s Sofiane Feghouli both sent off following a scuffle.
The second half started well for Trabzonspor as it picked up the opening goal through Dame N’Doye in the 49th minute. Defender Uğur Demirok’s header was saved by the Lions’ goalkeeper Muslera but N’Doye was inside the six-yard box to give his team the 1-0 lead. Trabzon’s young gun Yusuf Yazıcı gave his team the second goal in the 69th minute after his left-footed deflected off defender Jason Denayer and found its way into the net. Galatasaray managed to pull one back in the 86th minute when winger Garry Rodrigues hit the target with a powerful shot, but it was too little too late. With the win, Trabzonspor now has 12 points while Galatasaray has 23.
The Lion’s defeat, however, was good news for second-placed Medipol Başakşehir and third-placed Beşiktaş. Both sides won their respective matches to take their tally to 20 and 18 respectively. Beşiktaş defeated Alanyaspor 2-1 Saturday evening, getting their first victory after four league matches. The Black Eagles will face Monaco in a critical Champions League tie tomorrow. Medipol Başakşehir, on the other hand, beat Teleset Mobilya Akhisarspor 2-1 Saturday.