Istanbul: Galatasaray drew 2-2 at home against AZ Alkmaar and bowed out of the Europa League. In the second-leg match of the UEFA Europa League Round of 16, Galatasaray’s weak performance raised question marks ahead of the Turkish team’s crucial match with Fenerbahce on February 24, APA reports citing Trkiye Today.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the Galatasaray-Fenerbahce derby is accepted as the most crucial match in Turkish football. Despite the draw, Galatasaray’s 33-year-old goalkeeper Gunay Guvenc managed to shine with a strong performance, preventing Galatasaray from being humiliated at home by thwarting many attempts by AZ Alkmaar. Gunay Guvenc had only played in one game this season, yet his efforts were recognized by the fans, who applauded him after the game.
The Dutch side maintained their aggressive play from the early stages of the game and took the lead in the 43rd minute. During a fast-paced counterattack, Poku received the ball on the right wing and found Maikuma inside the box. The Japanese midfielder struck the ball with a first-time shot, sending it into the net to put the visitors ahead 1-0.
In the 55th minute, AZ Alkmaar doubled their lead. Kasius fired a long-range shot that found the back of the net, making it 2-0. Following the second goal, the Turkish team’s head coach began benching crucial players as his team will face Fenerbahce on February 24.