Lions, Eagles drop points before derby

ISTANBUL

Beşiktaş’s Almeida struggles for a header at a home game against İBB. DHA photo

Defending champions Galatasaray and its closest challenger, Beşiktaş, were both given a rude welcome back to the Sport Toto Super League as both dropped points ahead of their much-anticipated derby on Jan. 27 at Galatasaray’s Türk Telekom Arena.

The Black Eagles missed a chance to assume the overall lead when they were held to a 2-2 draw with Istanbul BB on Jan. 19. One day before, Kasımpaşa surprised everyone by defeating Galatasaray 2-1 at Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Stadium despite falling behind early.

On Jan. 19, Samuel Holmen opened the scoring for Istanbul BB in the 22nd minute but Beşiktaş got themselves back level six minutes later through Tomas Sivok.

When Olcay Şahan put the home side ahead in the 57th minute with a well-worked goal, it seemed Beşiktaş were heading for victory and a place at the top of the table. The municipality team, however, refused to go quietly, equaling in the 65th through a Doka shot that took a heavy deflection off a defender before sailing into the top corner.

The single point leaves Beşiktaş still two points shy of league leader Galatasaray, although the draw also allowed them to continue their league-best unbeaten run, which has now been stretched to 11 games. The Black Eagles’ last reverse was a 3-0 loss to Fenerbahçe on Oct. 7, 2012.

Galatasaray took an early lead when Johan Elmander opened the scoring in the 18th minute, but new Kasımpaşa signing Senijad Ibricic equalized soon after before Tabare Viudez put the home side ahead for good in the 50th minute. Kasımpaşa moved up to fifth in the league while Galatasaray maintained their position on top of the table despite the loss.Beşiktaş has 31 points while Galatasaray remains at 33. k HDN