Newcomer Balıkesirspor shocks Galatasaray in Super league

BALIKESİR

DHA Photo

Galatasaray suffered a huge blow to lose 2-0 to Spor Toto Super League newcomer Balıkesirspor on Sept. 20, just days after experiencing frustration in a 1-1 home draw in the Champions League against Anderlecht.

Sercan Yıldırım, who is on loan from the Lions, scored the opening goal and veteran forward Gökhan Ünal doubled the lead as Balıkesirspor hit Galatasaray on the break twice in the first half to record its first win in the top flight for 39 years.

The result meant Galatasaray, who was handed its first defeat of the campaign, failed to win in its third consecutive game, following home draws against Eskişehirspor in the domestic competition and Anderlecht.

“We need to improve, we need to play more aggressively,” coach Cesare Prandelli said through a translator to broadcaster Lig TV. “But we are still in the early stages of the season.”

With the defeat, Galatasaray remained on four points and lost the Super League pole position to Akhisar Belediyspor, which rallied to beat Kayseri Erciyesspor, also on Sept. 20.

Greek forward Theofanis Gekas capped his brace on 90 minutes after Erciyes found the lead through Cenk Alkılıç in the 33rd minute.

Mersin İdman Yurdu beat Çaykur Rizespor 2-0 to get its first win in the season, with veterans Servet Çetin and Sinan Kaloğlu getting on the score sheet.

On Sept. 19, Gençlerbirliği defeated Eskişehirspor 2-0 with Uğur Çiftçi and Bogdan Stancu scoring.