Galatasaray 3–1 Kasımpaşa, and you are back on top
Galatasaray 3–1 Kasımpaşa at home in week 7 of the Trendyol Süper Lig on Friday, October 9. Abdülkerim, Barış Alper and Lemina scored the goals (3). You are first in the table on 16 points from 7 games, with a +5 goal difference (2).
The scoreline hides the sweat. Kasımpaşa had you level at 1–1 late, then Osimhen came on and you pushed it to 3–1 (4). One report even logged the winner as Barış Alper Yılmaz in the 90th minute in a 2–1 finish (10). Either way, three points in the bag before Barcelona.
Torreira saw red in the 65th minute
Lucas Torreira got a direct red card in the 65th minute after a VAR review, and you played the rest of the match with ten men (9) (11). It did not cost you the game.
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The decision is the big argument this morning. Former referee Mustafa Çulcu gave his read on the incident (9), and Ahmet Çakar asked the obvious question, whether there was a clear goal-scoring opportunity (2). Under TFF rules, a DOGSO red carries only a one-match penalty, so the damage may be limited.
No penalty for Barış Alper's handball shout
Barış Alper claimed the Kasımpaşa defender handled the ball. The appeal was not given (5).
Bruno Fernandes option dropped
Galatasaray have decided not to use their option on Bruno Fernandes, one of the club's priority transfer targets, and the Portuguese star stays at Manchester United (6).
Newcastle and Everton watching Gabriel Sara
Newcastle and Everton are reportedly tracking Gabriel Sara, a key man in your midfield (8). He is 27 and left Norwich for Galatasaray in the summer of 2024. English interest in a starter is the last thing you want in a window.
Gündoğan on Barcelona: "Oynamıyorum ki niye hazır olayım!"
İlkay Gündoğan was asked about being ready for Barcelona and did not hide his mood: "Oynamıyorum ki niye hazır olayım!" That translates to "I'm not playing, so why would I be ready?" (12). Read into that what you like ahead of Tuesday.
Raphinha out for Barcelona
Hansi Flick confirmed Raphinha will miss Barcelona's games against Getafe and Galatasaray (15). Flick said there is no injury, but the club will not risk him after three setbacks last year. Barcelona come to Istanbul on Tuesday, October 13 at 21:00 CEST for the Champions League tie (13).
Barış Alper: "Taraftarlar benim ailem"
Barış Alper Yılmaz had a line for you after the Kasımpaşa game: "Taraftarlar benim ailem," the fans are my family (14).
Kasımpaşa's side of it
Kasımpaşa coach Emre Belözoğlu was blunt after the loss: "Türk futbolu fazlasıyla kan kaybetti," Turkish football has bled far too much (16). Their player Kerem Demirbay apologised to Galatasaray fans after the away defeat (17).
What is next
Barcelona at home on Tuesday, October 13, 21:00 CEST in the Champions League (13). Then Gençlerbirliği away on Saturday, October 17, and Lille away on Wednesday, October 21.
Fan reactions
The mood after the win is a mix of relief and needle. Fans are passing around a clip of 21 year old Batrakov consoling Lucas Torreira after the red, a small moment that got more traction than the goals. Others are digging into the TFF rulebook, arguing a DOGSO red should mean only a one-match ban, and laughing at Lemina, Nhaga and Osi's reaction to the third goal. The loudest thread is pure joy: one supporter calling it the best finish to the 30th Galatasaray match of his life. (thread)
