Galatasaray edges Elfsborg 4-3 in thrilling Europa League opener
Yunus Akgun (11) of Galatasaray celebrates his team's victory at the end of the UEFA Europa League week 3 between Galatasaray and Elfsborg at RAMS Park in Istanbul, Türkiye, October 23, 2024. (AA Photo)
Galatasaray defeated Sweden’s Elfsborg 4-3 in a UEFA Europa League matchday 3 opener on Thursday at Rams Park.
The Turkish Super Lig club’s Argentine striker Mauro Icardi opened the scoring in the 28th minute, converting a rebound after Dries Mertens’ shot hit the crossbar. Defender Abdulkerim Bardakci doubled the lead in the 39th minute with a header that found its way past Elfsborg goalkeeper Isak Pettersson.
Turkish forward Baris Alper Yilmaz made it 3-0 for the hosts just before halftime, delivering a quick turn and shot into the bottom corner in the 44th minute.
Elfsborg responded after the break, with defender Niklas Hult netting a goal in the 52nd minute to reduce the deficit. The Swedish side pulled closer when midfielder Michael Baidoo scored from the penalty spot following a handball by Yilmaz in the 65th minute.
Galatasaray’s Yunus Akgun eased home fans’ nerves with a well-placed shot into the penalty area for the team’s fourth goal in the 83rd minute. However, Elfsborg’s Johan Larsson brought hope back for the visitors with a late goal in the 92nd minute.
Galatasaray’s Belgian attacker Michy Batshuayi found the net in stoppage time, but the goal was disallowed for offside. With this victory, Galatasaray climbed to the top of the league table with 7 points, while Elfsborg sits in 16th place with 3 points.
Bodo/Glimt tops Braga 2-1
In another Europa League clash, Norwegian club Bodo/Glimt secured a 2-1 victory over Portugal’s Braga, thanks to a last-minute goal from Villads Nielsen.
Hakon Evjen put Bodo in front in the 56th minute, but Braga’s Sikou Niakate equalized in the 64th minute. Nielsen’s dramatic goal in the 94th minute clinched the win for the Norwegians.
Following this match, Bodo/Glimt sits second in the league with 7 points, trailing Galatasaray on goal difference, while Braga remains in 20th place with 3 points.
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