Galatasaray was unbeaten in the Turkish derby against Beşiktaş in Istanbul on Monday afternoon, keeping them unbeaten in the Turkish league and consolidating their position at the top of the Süper Lig standings for another round of matches.
The Black Eagles could not break the curse and were again unable to snatch a win at a packed Ali Sami Yen Stadium – where Beşiktaş have not won since 2017 – in the closing game of Matchday 10 of the Turkish Super League.
Galata began by pressing hard on goal and setting the tempo, although both sides played intensely throughout the match and had numerous chances to score. It was in one of those early danger moves that, less than 15 minutes into the derby, Colombian Dávinson Sánchez headed a free-kick to put Okan Buruk’s side ahead.
The tempo of play remained high throughout the first half, and on 26 minutes Galatasaray claimed a penalty for a fall by Icardi in the box, but the referee waved play on. Just two minutes later, a dangerous Beşiktaş attacking move was thwarted when Rafa ended up rolling to the ground after being kicked by Dávinson. The referee, again, pointed to no foul.
In the closing stages of the first half, Rafa Silva almost scored with a great shot after a pass from Gedson Fernandes, but a two-time save from Muslera kept out the goal. Shortly afterwards, Barış Yılmaz was shown a yellow card after bringing down Immobile as he tried to make a solo run.
An exciting derby full of score chances
In the second half, João Mário had a golden opportunity to equalise after a superb pass from Rafa Silva, but again Muslera’s intervention prevented disaster. However, it was again the home side who, after 67 minutes, made it 2-0, again thanks to a header but this time from Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen.
At 2-0 down, the Lions became more confident and Beşiktaş was under more pressure as they had to defend at the back. With one minute left in the 90 minutes, the Galatasaray players claimed a penalty for a knock down in the box by Uduokhai on Roland Sallai, but the referee did not award the penalty.
In stoppage time, Muçi scored an absolutely superb goal that saved the honour for Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side… But not the game. Even before the final whistle, Michy Batshuayi almost scored the 3rd for his team, but his shot went just wide.
Thus ended a tense, vibrant and exciting derby in which Galatasaray – with 9 wins from 10 games – consolidate its position as clear favourite to repeat as league champion, as this victory puts them a comfortable 6 points clear of their nearest challengers, Samsunspor. Fenerbahçe and Beşiktaş are 4th and 5th respectively, tied on 20 points, although both have a game in hand.
Results of the 10th round of the Super League
ADANA DEMİRSPOR A.Ş. 2 – 4 NET GLOBAL SİVASSPOR
Turkish league: standings
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Edited and reviewed by:
Pablo Gómez is a specialist in Turkey and has been editor-in-chief of Hispanatolia since 2011. He has been analysing current affairs and geopolitics in Turkey and the surrounding region since 2006.
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