Galatasaray squanders 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 with Rigas Skola in Latvia
Baris Alper Yilmaz (2nd L) of Galatasaray in action during UEFA Europa League match between RFS and Galatasaray at Daugava Stadium in Riga, Latvia on October 03, 2024. (AA Photo)
Galatasaray faced Latvia’s Rigas Skola in the second week of the UEFA Europa League, ending the match in a 2-2 draw after initially leading 2-0.
The match kicked off with Slovak referee Filip Glova officiating. The team entered this game following a 3-1 victory over PAOK in their group-stage opener.
The team took the lead in the 12th minute with a goal from Dries Mertens, and Yunus Akgun extended the advantage to 2-0 in the 38th minute.
However, just a minute later, Rigas Skola’s Ikaunieks scored, reducing the deficit to 2-1.
In the second half, the home team equalized in the 55th minute when Odisharia found the back of the net, making the score 2-2.
Galatasaray struggles with squad absences
Galatasaray traveled to Latvia without four key players due to various reasons. Injuries kept Hakim Ziyech and Victor Osimhen sidelined, while Roland Sallai was not included in the UEFA roster, and goalkeeper Fernando Muslera was suspended.
Head coach Okan Buruk made six changes to the starting lineup compared to the previous match against Kasımpaşa. Gunay replaced Muslera in goal, Kaan took Osimhen’s position, and Torreira came in for Sallai. Additionally, Kerem Demirbay, Elias Jelert, and Victor Nelsson began the match on the bench.
As a result, Galatasaray left Latvia with just one point from their second group stage match.
