Galatasaray makes it 8 for 8 in Super League

ISTANBUL - Hürriyet Daily News

Galatasaray players celebrate after scoring against Samsunspor during a Spor Toto Super League game. Galatasaray was two goals behind at the end of the first half but scored four goals in the second to clinch its eight consecutive league victory. AA photo

Galatasaray came from two goals behind in the second half at Samsunspor Jan. 7 to win 4-2, clinching its eighth victory in a row in the Spor Toto Super League, matching the club record for consecutive league victories and extending its lead atop the standings.

In yesterday’s games, Gençlerbirliği lost 2-1 at Kardemir Karabük and Manisaspor held Orduspor to a goalless draw at home.

In other games Jan. 7, Bursaspor won 1-0 at home against Mersin İdman Yurdu and Burak Yılmaz scored two goals, as Trabzonspor won 2-0 at Istanbul BB. Burak is currently the top scorer in the league, with 19 goals in 16 games.

The league leader made a slow start to the game in Samsun and conceded a goal when Samsunspor striker Ekigho Ehiosun capitalized on a mistake by Sabri Sarıoğlu in the 22nd minute. The Nigerian striker struck another one home in the 32nd, again thanks to Sabri.

The visitors made a quick start to the second half and Semih Kaya pulled one back in the 52nd. Midfielder Selçuk İnan scored the equalizer in the 70th minute when Galatasaray increased the pressure on the home team. Milan Baros’s goal in the 78th was a put the visitors ahead while Sercan Yıldırım added a final goal in the 84th to seal the score.

Galatasaray coach Fatih Terim defended Sabri for his dismal performance. “Sabri was with us for two or three practice sessions, it would have been better if I had used him only for one half,” Terim told a post-game press conference. “It was my mistake, not Sabri’s.”

It was important for Galatasaray to come from two goals behind and win, Terim added. “I congratulate my players for their performances in the second half, they did everything I told them to do perfectly,” he said. “We won three points against a very good team, I’m really happy for that.”

The Galatasaray coach recalled the team matched the club record for most consecutive league wins, and will break it if beats Kardemir Karabük at home next week. “It is a good thing to get used to winning,” Terim said. “Of course, we might lose a game, but still we must not lose our hope.”
It was an “interesting game” Galatasaray defender Tomas Ujfalusi told reporters. “We helped each other at halftime in the dressing room for motivation,” the Czech player said. “We knew we had another 45 minutes ahead of us and we could win.”

In tonight’s league action, Fenerbahçe will host Gaziantepspor, hoping to extend its home victory streak. The Istanbul club has not lost at Şükrü Saraçoğlu in its last 31 league games, winning 25 and drawing six.

Fenerbahçe’s last loss at home was Feb. 22, 2010, when Bursaspor beat the defending champion 3-2.