Sneijder’s brace lifts Galatasaray over unfancied Kardemir Karabükspor

ISTANBUL

Wesley Sneijder scored his first brace in the Turkish Super League. AA photo

Wesley Sneijder carried Galatasaray to its first victory in the Roberto Mancini era, scoring both his team’s goals in a hard-fought 2-1 win over 10-men Kardemir Karabükspor at the Türk Telekom Arena on Oct. 19.

The Dutch midfielder, much-criticized for his performance since the beginning of the season, opened the score in the 41st minute on an assist by Burak Yılmaz, who found some redemption for his own poor performance so far this year.

The visitors stunned the home crowd with an equalizer a few minutes after the break by new recruit Joseph Akpala. Galatasaray continued to press forward, and Burak seemed destined to score on a break in the 56th minute, only to be brought down by Karabük’s Sebastien Puygrenier, resulting in a red card for the French defender.

It was Sneijder, though, who would have the last word in the match, sending the home supporters happy with an unstoppable volley that rattled in off the crossbar in the 83rd minute to give the Lions their first official win since the opening week of the season against Gaziantepspor.

Elsewhere, Kasımpaşa defeated Gençlerbirliği in Ankara 3-1 with a goal from Ryan Babel, while Eskişehirspor scored a 2-0 away win against Elazığspor. 

Leaders Fenerbahçe will visit Kayseri Erciyesspor on Oct. 20 while Beşiktaş, second in the standings, will host Çaykur Rizespor on Oct. 21.