Galatasaray fought laborious to assert a 2–1 victory over Fethiyespor within the Turkish Cup, overcoming a cussed lower-league problem to maintain their group marketing campaign on monitor.
The guests dominated possession within the opening half however discovered clear probabilities laborious to come back by. With out their star striker Victor Osimhen — away with Nigeria on the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations and making ready for a heavyweight semi-final conflict in opposition to Morocco tomorrow — Galatasaray lacked a innovative early on, permitting Fethiyespor to develop in confidence.
After a goalless first interval, the sport opened up following the restart. Galatasaray finally made their stress rely within the 73rd minute when Abdülkerim Bardakcı rose highest to move residence from a set-piece, breaking the resistance of the hosts. The aim shifted the momentum, and 7 minutes later Barış Alper Yılmaz doubled the benefit with a composed end to place daylight between the perimeters.
In the course of the recreation, Galatasary through its official X deal with shared Abdülkerim Bardakcı aim spotlight because the lions double their lead. They posted:
Fethiyespor refused to fold and had been rewarded late on when Uğur Ayhan pulled a aim again, organising a nervy finale. Nevertheless, Galatasaray managed the closing levels with sufficient management to see out the win.
The end result comes after a tough interval for the Istanbul giants, who misplaced the Tremendous Cup remaining to fierce rivals Fenerbahçe final weekend. Softfootball had predicted a cushty 3–1 victory for Galatasaray heading into the tie, however the actuality proved way more aggressive than anticipated.
Regardless of being shorn of Osimhen, whose focus now turns to a serious AFCON semi-final with Nigeria’s Tremendous Eagles — Galatasaray confirmed sufficient resilience and depth to progress, even when the efficiency highlighted areas nonetheless in want of sharpening as their cup journey continues.
