Galatasaray missed out on qualifying for the Champions League. On Tuesday evening, the Turkish champions failed to turn around their 2-3 first leg defeat and also lost the second leg at home 0-1. In a nerve-racking match, it was Virginius who secured the Istanbul knockout late on. GS captain Muslera also saw a straight red card.
In contrast to the 2:3 first leg, Ziyech, who started the second half in Bern and noticeably boosted the game from then on, was allowed to play from the start. Yılmaz moved back one position and played right-back. The Lions’ overall very offensive approach was also in keeping with the fact that Batshuayi, who scored twice in the first leg, also started, mostly as a hanging strike partner behind Icardi.
The game was fiery from the start, with both teams playing with open visors, which quickly led to an entertaining exchange of blows. However, Galatasaray’s deliberately offensive approach meant they took an enormous risk of being quickly outplayed by long balls from Bern – which the guests managed to do time and again. After a counterattack, Colley was up and away, powered through and scored from distance. Muslera had to prove himself for the first time (12th). In this early phase of the game, the Uruguayan goalkeeper’s experienced player saved his team from falling behind several times. First, Muslera parried against Ganvoula (15th) from 13 meters from the half-right position, then again after a lightning-fast counterattack against Colley (18th) from the half-left position.
After half an hour, Ganvoula headed the ball from eleven meters onto the right inside post. Niasse then scored from a rebound, but the goal was disallowed for offside. Galatasaray, who had lacked clear offensive opportunities up to that point, had another chance in front of the Bern goal in the form of Icardi (35′). The Argentinian was unable to beat keeper Keller, however. The game went into the break with a goalless draw, although the Young Boys were much closer to scoring.
Ganvoula hits the post – Galatasaray remains harmless
At the start of the second half, Jelert and Kutlu came on for Köhn and Ziyech, but the game remained the same. Bern focused on switching moments, which worked again and again until the last or second-to-last pass. The guests also repeatedly created danger through set pieces. After a corner from the right, Ganvoula (61′) headed the ball, but only hit the left post. On the other side, Batshuayi (63′) shot just wide of the right post. It was only twenty minutes before the end that the Lions increasingly shifted the game into the opponent’s half, but still hardly created any clear chances.
Virginius silences Gala – Muslera blows the fuse
There was great excitement in the 82nd minute when Bern’s Ugrinic and Colley were substituted but refused to run past the opposite sideline. Muslera complained about an alleged gesture, which caused cups and lighters to fly from the stands. After a brief scuffle, the situation was under control again. Galatasaray, however, lost control completely. After another brilliant counterattack by the visitors, it was substitute Virginius (87th minute) who kept his cool this time and beat Muslera. The Uruguayan then lost control of himself and presumably tripped up a player who was running past him in celebration of a goal – the inglorious end point for Galatasaray, coupled with pure frustration, which was punished with a red card.
