Başakşehir reclaims league’s top spot following Galatasaray’s 2-1 loss

ISTANBUL

Başakşehir has reclaimed the top spot in the Spor Toto Super League standings following Galatasaray’s 2-1 loss to Kasımpaşaspor late on Feb. 18.

Despite gaining the lead in the 37th minute of the match with a graceful shot from Garry Rodrigues, Galatasaray was unable to stay ahead and conceded a penalty in the last minute of the first half.

Mbaye Diagne scored the penalty kick for Kasımpaşa to equalize the match at 1-1.

Goals were not the only crucial factor of the first 45 minutes. Galatasaray’s French striker Bafetimbi Gomis appeared to pass out on the pitch for a moment in the 15th minute.

The Frenchman quickly got to his feet and re-subbed in the match following the scary moment.

Galatasaray was unable to convert numerous chances in the second half, and paid the price in the 80th minute when Kasımpaşa’s Bengali Koita netted a devastating volley.

The 2-1 defeat cost Galatasaray the leading spot in the league, as Başakşehir defeated Trabzonspor in the day’s early game thanks to a goal from striker Emmanuel Adebayor.

Başakşehir increased their points total to 46 in 22 games to lead the league, while Galatasaray is now in second place on equal points with arch-rival Fenerbahçe, trailing the leader by two points.

Fenerbahçe enjoyed a strong push in its title bid to defeat Alanyaspor 3-0 on Feb. 17, with the help of Brazilian Giuliano scoring a double and on-form striker Fernandao also netting one.

Defending champion Beşiktaş dropped two points in Konya in the opening game of the week with a 1-1 draw. The Black Eagles are now in fourth place with 41 points.

On the weekend Akhisarspor won 3-0 at Karabükspor, Bursaspor made a goalless draw at home against Malatyaspor, Sivasspor beat Osmanlıspo 3-2 and Kayserispor lost 2-1 at Antalyaspor.