January 04, (THEWILL) – Galatasaray extended their lead at the summit of the Trendyol Super League to 11 points following a hard-fought 2-1 triumph against Göztepe at RAMS Park. The victory, their fourth consecutive win, strengthens their position ahead of second-placed Fenerbahçe, who hold one additional match played.
The match began with an emotional tribute to the late artist Ferdi Tayfur, with his image displayed on the stadium screens while his music filled the arena. The pre-match atmosphere intensified when home supporters unfurled a banner directed at Fenerbahçe President Ali Koç, stating “Don’t go, we need you” alongside his photograph.
The hosts took the lead in the 10th minute through Victor Osimhen’s penalty, awarded after Djalma Silva’s challenge on Kaan Ayhan during a corner kick sequence. The visitors responded in the 27th minute when Romulo Cruz struck an equaliser, finishing Anthony Dennis’s precise through ball with a powerful shot from the left side of the penalty area.
Galatasaray regained control after the interval, with Yunus Akgün finding the target in the 61st minute. The midfielder finished expertly from inside the penalty area following creative work from Dries Mertens, establishing what proved to be the winning margin.
In the 80th minute, there was a moment of controversy when the home side had a goal disallowed following VAR intervention, with Osimhen judged to have interfered with play from an offside position during the build-up. Despite late pressure from Göztepe, Galatasaray’s defence remained steadfast to preserve their advantage.
The result propels Galatasaray to 47 points, while Göztepe remain on 28 points, ending their short three-match unbeaten run. The victory reinforces Galatasaray’s strong position in their pursuit of the championship title with Osimhen getting to double figures in goals scored.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
