In an impressive start to the UEFA Europa League, Galatasaray secured a 3-1 win against PAOK at their home ground. This victory marked their entry into the tournament’s new format, beginning the group stage with three crucial points.
Match Highlights:
- Galatasaray Goals:
- 48th Minute: Baba Rahman scored an own goal, putting Galatasaray ahead 1-0.
- 76th Minute: Yunus Akgün found the net, assisted by Osimhen, restoring their lead after Konstantelias equalized for PAOK in the 68th minute.
- 90+5th Minute: Mauro Icardi, who came on as a substitute, sealed the match with the third goal.
Next, Galatasaray will face Latvia’s Rigas FS on October 3rd at 19:45 TRT.
Tension in the Stands:
Before the match, tensions flared between Galatasaray fans and a group of visiting PAOK supporters in the West Upper Stand, leading to a verbal altercation. Police were deployed to ensure security, and in response, the stadium’s speakers played the “İzmir Marşı” to rally the home crowd.
Upcoming Matches for Turkish Teams:
- Fenerbahçe: Will face Union Saint Gilloise at home on September 26 and Twente away on October 3.
- Beşiktaş: Will meet Ajax in Amsterdam on September 26.
Tournament Format:
Each team will play a total of eight matches, four at home and four away. The top eight teams will advance directly to the Round of 16 after matches scheduled for January 30, 2025. The final of the 2024-25 UEFA Europa League is set for May 21, 2025, at the San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao, Spain.
Fixture Overview:
Galatasaray’s Upcoming Matches:
- October 3, 2024: Riga Skola (Latvia) – Galatasaray
- October 23, 2024: Galatasaray – Elfsborg (Sweden)
- November 7, 2024: Galatasaray – Tottenham (England)
- November 28, 2024: AZ Alkmaar (Netherlands) – Galatasaray
- December 12, 2024: Malmö (Sweden) – Galatasaray
- January 21, 2025: Galatasaray – Dinamo Kiev (Ukraine)
- January 30, 2025: Ajax (Netherlands) – Galatasaray
Fenerbahçe’s Upcoming Matches:
- September 26, 2024: Fenerbahçe – Union Saint Gilloise (Belgium)
- October 3, 2024: Twente (Netherlands) – Fenerbahçe
- October 24, 2024: Fenerbahçe – Manchester United (England)
- November 7, 2024: AZ Alkmaar (Netherlands) – Fenerbahçe
- November 28, 2024: Slavia Prague (Czechia) – Fenerbahçe
- December 11, 2024: Fenerbahçe – Athletic Bilbao (Spain)
- January 23, 2025: Fenerbahçe – Lyon (France)
- January 30, 2025: Midtjylland (Denmark) – Fenerbahçe
Beşiktaş’s Upcoming Matches:
- September 26, 2024: Ajax (Netherlands) – Beşiktaş
- October 3, 2024: Beşiktaş – Eintracht Frankfurt (Germany)
- October 24, 2024: Lyon (France) – Beşiktaş
- November 6, 2024: Beşiktaş – Malmö (Sweden)
- November 28, 2024: Beşiktaş – Maccabi Tel-Aviv (Israel)
- December 12, 2024: Bodo/Glimt (Norway) – Beşiktaş
- January 22, 2025: Beşiktaş – Athletic Club (Spain)
- January 30, 2025: Twente (Netherlands) – Beşiktaş
With this strong start, Galatasaray aims to build on their success in the upcoming matches of the tournament.
