Galatasaray in Europe 13/14

After what has been such an eventful and dramatic Group Stage, let's take a look at how Galatasaray progressed into the last sixteen of the Uefa Champions League.

Match Day 1: Galatasaray vs Real Madrid (1-6)
After such a successful Champions League campaign last season, everyone seemed positive and hopeful about this season. Back to back Turkish titles, a quarter final appearance in Europe and a superb Super Cup victory over arch rivals Fenerbahce in August lead to many believing this could be another great European campaign for Galatasaray. 

Everyone seemed hopeful and expectant beforehand and with some fantastic and literally record breaking pre match choreography from ultrAslan everyone was in good spirits. Galatasaray started off well and within the first 25 minutes it could be easily said the home side were playing the better football. Three great early opportunities from the ever so energetic Felipe Melo lead to even further excitement and belief that Galatasaray could go on and grab three precious points over arguably one of the world's greatest sides.  But unfortunately not, against the run of play; the ever so cool Isco slotted home for a comfortable finish to put the Spanish side one up.

Half time soon approached and with the score still at 0-1, the game was still very much in the balance. A great start for Galatasaray was a great confidence booster to over 50,000 home fans in the pursuance for a another great Champions league campaign. The important factor now was how would the Lions respond being one down. 

As the second half began Nordin Amrabat was introduced for Dider Drogba who went off in agony just before the start of the first half and as many feared, a replacement was required for Drogba who had put in a good shift in the opening 45 minutes. Real Madrid came out meaning business. Their eagerness and team work was fantastic and with the amount of quality in their squad it was only a matter of time until they doubled their 1-0 lead. Roll on the 54th minute, in which Karim Benzema secured the Spanish outfits second of the game. Even at this point, many were still hopeful and after a disappointing start for the Turkish Champions, there was still hope and an element of positivity in the Turk Telekom Arena. 

With the atmosphere still fantastic and incredibly loud, Real Madrid still were unfazed with the intimidating surroundings, it was not long until the score was 0-3 and then shortly 0-4 as Cristiano Ronaldo scored both goals in the matter of four minutes. At this point, Galatasaray seemed battered and bruised. The defence seemed a shambles. There was no effective leadership. The Istanbul giants looked in trouble. 

As the match was drawing to the last ten minutes, once again the score changed. This time it was 0-5, and no one could even expect this result, even against the huge stars of Real Madrid. What was happening to Galatasaray? Immediately after Karim Benzema secured his second of the night, substitute Umut Bulut scored a consolation which was merely cheered by the remaining fans in the Turk Telekom Arena. The ever so brilliant Cristiano Ronaldo scored a brilliant individual effort to complete his second half hat trick and to add even more misery on such a dreadful night for the Lions.

What a frustrating and hurtful result. The full time whistle blew on a dark, dark night for Galatasaray. After a fairly positive opening 45 minutes, the Turkish representatives seemes to have given up in an abysmal second half performance An outrageous score? Definitely. For any side to win in Istanbul is an achievement but to score six and win in cruise control is just out of this world. Real Madrid were made to look like.. Real Madrid? Not even a great Fatih Terim comeback was possible in this severely painful defeat.

Match Day 2: Juventus vs Galatasaray (2-2)
Cue Match Day 2. Juve vs Galatasaray in Turin. In what seemed a strange build up to the game, the 
Lions were aiming to roar in Italy and grab their first point(s) in this seasons Champions League. After a poor domestic start for Galatasaray, the sudden departure of the Legendary and iconic Fatih Terim lead to his dismissal from the board. Many fans were angered with this decision as the way in which a Legend for the club was treated was harsh and totally unfair. Even after a poor start to the 2013/14 season, was sacking a man who lead the club to astronomical and history breaking success right? With plenty of names being mentioned, it was  former Manchester City and Premier League winning man Roberto Mancini who was appointed. The Italian's first game in charge was against Juventus; a side he is aware fully aware of. 

With many Turkish supporters from Turkey and Europe making the trip, Galatasaray needed to produce a good performance against a strong Juve side who were also in hope of their first victory in this seasons Champions League after their 1-1 opening game draw against FC Copenhagen. The whistle blew and the game began. Both sides made a good start, but arguably again the Lions seemed to be in good shape and definitely the most likely to score. Some great opportunities from the Turkish side was finally rewarded on 36 minutes when Didier Drogba scored to make it 0-1. A huge defensive misunderstanding enabled Drogba to score much to the delight of the traveling fans.

Galatasaray went into the interval one up and having performed well, an element of hope was restored. As for Juventus, they certainly weren't up to their usual standards. Conte seemed stressed and the fans hadn't responded well to the score. 

The Italian side came out a different team. They began to play like a team, with some great opportunities being rewarded for their different approach to the second half. The minutes were passing but the score was still the same; and it wasn't until a 77th minute penalty was given until an equaliser was made possible. Certainly an arguable decision as Amrabat had supposedly fouled Quagliarella. Arturo Vidal stepped up to take the penalty and what an attempt it was. a perfect penalty that lead to a huge roar from the home support. Could Juve now go on an win the game? The equaliser was definitely a turning point as Juve were now pressing as they meant business. 

Unsurprisingly in the 87th minute, Andrea Pirlo provided a simply beautiful ball into the box which was met with a powerful header from Quagliarella. What a goal. Would this be another painful defeat for Galatasaray? No! It would not. A fantastic and spiritful comeback was made possible with a late yet instant response form Umut Bulut. Two in two now for the Turkish striker; and how important was this goal? Ironically with what seemed like a traditional Fatih Terim response, the game drew to a conclusion.

2-2 the final score which could be said to be a fair reflective result. Both sides seemed satisfied and not a bad start for Roberto Mancini drawing 2-2 with a side he has only been with for less than 48 hours. A much needed point for Galatasaray, who would go into Match Day 3 searching for a win against a unpredictable FC Copenhagen side.

Match Day 3: Galatasaray vs FC Copenhagen (3-1)
With both teams on a point each, three points were vital if any one of these sides were looking to enter the knockout stages of the Champions League. After painfully conceding six in the opening match in Istanbul, Galatasaray were hoping to possibly turn around an embarrassing start. The atmosphere was electric and the fans were in full voice. Once again everyone in the Turk Telekom Arena was expectant for a positive result against the Danish side.

As the match began, Galatasaray for the third Champions league game in a row, made a great start. Plenty of opportunities soon lead to the Lions taking a well deserved lead through Felipe Melo. What a fantastic start and approach to the game we were witnessing. Melo with a powerful and iconic header delighted the 50,000 home fans as Galatasaray continued to remain in cruise control. 

It wasn't longer after until the Lions lead was doubled. A smart and confident finish from Dutchman Wesley Sneijder secured a comfortable feeling inside the ground. 2-0 up and a fine performance. Just before the interval, some great build up play enabled Didier Drogba to strike a cool finish to put the Lion 3 up going into the break. Galatasaray were playing some fantastic football, and all seemed well in Istanbul at half time.

3-0 up at half time, surely Roberto Mancini must have been ecstatic during his half time team talk. What more could've been said to 11 players who were outclassing a weak and vulnerable FC Copenhagen team.

The second half started pretty much similarly to the first. The Lions were full of confidence and with a slightly different attitude they seemed to be playing calmly yet confidently. Pass after pass from Galatasaray lead to even further frustration from FC Copenhagen. Surely the game was all but over. With minutes left against the run of play Galatasaray conceded much to the annoyance of Fernando Muslera who once again was unable to keep a clean sheet in Europe. Brazilian Claudemir de Souza grabbed a late meaningless consolation as the final whistle blew. 

A 3-1 victory for the home side. What an important three points that was much needed in order to keep qualifying alive for the Last sixteen of the Uefa Champions League. 

Match Day 4: FC Copenhagen vs Galatasaray (1-0)
After a great performance against the Danish side in match Day three, Galatasaray were hopeful and positive for another three points which would take thhem towards a massive step in qualifying for the this seasons knockout stages of Europe's most elite competition. No Muslera or Sneijder contributed to some pre match doubts in what was a frustrating evening for the Turkish Champions.

As the game began, the atmosphere was fantastic. Both the home fans and travelling aways fans were in full voice. FC Copenhagen began brightly and were soon rewarded with a neat goal from Daniel Braaten. A cool flick beat Galatasaray's stand in keeper Eray Iscan. What a horrible start for the Lions. As the game continued, the frustration grew on. Despite a positive response, an equaliser was not made possible. FC Copenhagen had obviously done their homework and learnt their lessons from their defeat in Istanbul. With the fantastic atmosphere continuing from the home support, FC Copenhagen seemed a totally different side from the team who lost in Madrid and in Istanbul.

The second half saw no different from the feeling of the first half. The Lions tried all that they could and not even the three substitutes could inspire a much needed and desired equaliser. Wesley Sneijder was certainly missed. A lack of creativity and no one fitting the NO.10 role lead to Galatasaray's second defeat in this seasons Champions League. What a win for the Danish outfit, who are now level on points with Galatasaray. With Group b wide open, only time will tell how this group will pan out.

Match Day 5: Real Madrid vs Galatasaray (4-1)
After a loss to arch rivals Fenerbahce and a narrow victory over Roberto Carlos's Sivasspor, Galatasaray's average start domestically continued. A sense of optimism was however in the air before the game with Real Madrid's star man Cristiano Ronaldo being ruled out of this ever so significant clash. With many Galatasarary fans travelling to the Spanish Capital and with three points on the line, it was fair to say this fixture was of sincere importance for Turkey sole representatives in the Champions League. Would the Lions gain revenge after the embarrassing 6-1 defeat in Istanbul? Only time would tell. Again as we have seen game after game this season with Galatasaray in Europe, a promising start was in progression; and with the early sending off of Sergio Ramos, this seemed to be the ideal and perfect occasion to capitalize. However soon after, Gareth Bale, Madrid's mega man scored a stunning free kick to give Real Madrid the lead. Umut Bulut just like in Turin immediately responded with his third goal  in the group stages and gave the Lions a precious equalizer and restored hope going into the interval. 

Half time and it was 1-1. Equally poised with an important second half ahead. Both teams emerged out with the three points all to play for. After a mix of emotions in the first half for Galatasaray, the second half was far from positive. Sloppy play, a lack of concentration and a shambles in defence enabled the Spanish giants to regain the lead with Arbeloa popping up and scoring. 2-1 and with the match far from over, there was still plenty of time for a complete turn around. However this was not to be the case. Roll on the 63rd minute, it was 3-1 and it was surely game over. Di Maria extending the lead by two; and it was fair to say this second half performance in particular has been awful. No sense of pride or courage within the Turkish team. It wasn't long after until Isco added a fourth. A brilliant individual effort gave Isco the goal he wanted. Game over 4-1 to Real Madrid. An average first half followed by a catastrophic second half performance provided Real Madrid to the three points to secure qualification into the last 16. Another upsetting night for Galatasaray in this seasons Champions League. It all lies down to Match Day 6, the winner takes all tie in Istanbul vs Juventus.

Copyright - TurkishFootballUK.blogspot.com

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This is my first post of my Turkish Football blog, in which I hope will be a very successful blog. I aim to post on a regular basis on all things in terms of Turkish Football. 

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