Galatasaray delivered a footballing masterclass as they dismantled Eyüpspor 5-1 in the Süper Lig clash at Istanbul's RAMS Park. The home side took an early lead with Yunus Akgün scoring in the 2nd minute, setting the tone for a dominant performance. Mauro Icardi further showcased his striking prowess, netting a hat-trick to seal the win, while Eyüpspor struggled to find their footing, especially after Bedirhan Özyurt's 38th-minute red card.
Early Goals and Red Card Drama
The game began with a burst of energy from Galatasaray, as Yunus Akgün capitalized on a Victor Osimhen assist within the first two minutes. Mauro Icardi doubled the lead in the 33rd minute with an unassisted goal. The match took a dramatic turn when Eyüpspor's Bedirhan Özyurt was shown a red card for tripping, leaving the visitors a man down.
Icardi's Hat-Trick Seals the Deal
With a numerical advantage, Galatasaray continued to press. Icardi struck again just after halftime, assisted by Osimhen, making it 3-0. Eyüpspor's efforts saw Metehan Altunbaş score in the 71st minute, but Icardi completed his hat-trick shortly after, with a setup by Bartuğ Atay Yılmaz. The rout was complete when Eyüpspor's Jérôme Onguene inadvertently scored an own goal in the 87th minute.
Statistical Insights and Tactical Prowess
Galatasaray dominated possession with 62%, creating a staggering 21 shots compared to Eyüpspor's 6. Their passing game was exemplary, boasting a 91% accuracy from 517 passes. Icardi's performance was pivotal, with his four shots on target and ten out of ten player rating, reflecting his impact. Victor Osimhen also excelled with four dribbles and two assists, playing a crucial role in Galatasaray's fluid attacking play.
Looking Ahead
Galatasaray's recent form suggests they are a force to reckon with in the league, having followed up their draw against Atl. Madrid with another emphatic victory. Maintaining this momentum could be key as they continue to challenge at the top of the table. Eyüpspor, on the other hand, will need to regroup and address defensive vulnerabilities as they look to bounce back in their upcoming fixtures.
