The Turkish Super Lig is entering its final stages, and everything is still open in the title race.
After Trabzonspor sensationally drew with bottom side Ankaragücü yesterday, all eyes were on today’s big clash between first place Istanbul Başakşehir and Galatasaray.
A home win for the new powerhouse in Turkish football would have given them a four point lead in the top of the table, and providing them a huge boost towards their first ever title.
However, Galatasaray who are in fourth place, still have a lot to play for: Due to Trabzonspor’s expulsion from European competition year, their Champions League spot is up for grabs - which is still relevant for all the traditional Istanbul giants (Gala, Beşiktaş & Fenerbahce) and Sivasspor. Two more sides will qualify for next years Europa League.
As usual in Turkey, and especially in the previous few weeks, the game in Fatih Terim was hot and dramatic - and eventually Galatasaray, led by Fatih Terim himself, snatched a 1-1 draw - didn’t think the greatest Turkish manager of all time would lose in the stadium named after him, did you?
Başakşehir, who are coached by former Gala legend Okan Buruk, went in front in the 51st minute after Danijel Aleksić headed home a nice cross by Irfan Kahveci. 17 minutes later, The Lions struck back as Marcelo Saracchi set Emre Akbaba for an easy finish from close range. The home side were dealt another blow five minutes from time as their superstar Edin Visca was sent off for a second yellow card.
The draw serves Trabzonspor, who are still alive in the title race, but will travel to Galatasaray on Sunday for another blast of a game with serious implications. One of the most dramatic and intense leagues in Europe is building yet another dramatic story.
Thumbnail photo taken from Galatasaray SK’s official Twitter account
