reportage
They brought out the best in each other for years and won one prize after another together with Ajax. Now one is chasing a leading role at Galatasaray, while the other has to take Manchester United back to the top. Hakim Ziyech and Erik ten Hag. VI was at a special confrontation in Istanbul between the magician and the architect.
Rams Park in Istanbul, just after half past ten in the evening. The rain is pouring down, as it has all day, when goalkeeper Fernando Muslera gives Hakim Ziyech a push in the back. The Moroccan is sent forward by his teammates towards the fanatical supporters. The ultimate worship follows. Fifty thousand frenzied Turks shout loudly the name of the technician from Dronten. Ziyech laughs, waves and claps back, after which he walks towards the side of the field and is handed a glass trophy. It is the award for Man of the Match and the tangible conclusion to an evening that is as special as it is crazy in the Turkish football capital.
Happiness
An evening when pure football triumphs. Galatasaray and Manchester United provide a match where the final whistle feels like a disappointment. A breathtaking spectacle that could have lasted for hours and where every viewer feels like they are on an emotional rollercoaster. The English play excellent combination play at times, often find the free man and, partly inspired by the large spaces on the field, create one chance after another. The home team, as always fanatically inspired by the impressive supporters, plays technical and attacking football, regularly rushes forward without thinking, but also shows individual class.
The result is a 3-3 draw, with Galatasaray as the moral winner. The Turks erased a 0-2 and a 1-3 deficit, and expertly repelled United’s attack on second place in the group. With Hakim Ziyech as the big man.
Hakim Ziyech: ‘I have found my joy again, I can be myself here and feel that I am blossoming again’
The thirty-year-old Moroccan floats, frolics and scatters on the soaking wet field, in a way that is still remembered in Amsterdam. With two striking free kicks and a measured assist, he combines that verve with efficiency and is therefore invaluable to Galatasaray. ‘It went well, didn’t it?’ is the rhetorical question when we meet him afterwards. After which he guides us to one of the few quiet spots in the stadium. Ziyech is still Ziyech. He looks completely relaxed, with his characteristic nonchalant attitude. As if he didn’t just have a starring role among fifty thousand emotional Turks in the Champions League, but just had a nice ball with friends on a square in Dronten. “I’m having fun, I’m enjoying football again.”
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The VI PRO offer on Black Friday
Try VI PRO for a special price for the first month! VI PRO gives you extra insights around the European competitions with exclusive interviews, analyzes and financial insights.
The first month before
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2023-12-01 09:30:53
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