Galatasaray defeated İstanbul Başakşehir 3-2 in the Trendyol Süper Lig's fourth week opener. The match, played on Tuesday, September 5, 2026 at Fatih Terim Stadium and reported by Fotomac, ended Okan Buruk's 16-match home unbeaten run. With this victory, Galatasaray maintained their league leadership with 10 points from 4 matches, staying one point clear of Beşiktaş.
The win increased Galatasaray's goals scored this season to 12, while they have conceded 6. Their next fixture is at home against 7th-placed Çaykur Rizespor on December 6, 2026. Ahead of that match, Galatasaray's injury list includes El Chadaille Bitshiabu, Mario Lemina, Victor Osimhen, and Wilfried Singo. Current squad status can be tracked on our injuries page.
What were the match's key moments?
The first half saw a surprise in Galatasaray's defense. Mario Lemina started as a centre-back but was substituted at halftime due to injury, replaced by Abdülkerim. While Batrakov played in the first half, Leao came on for him in the second. Leao's introduction energized Galatasaray's attack, with him providing an assist to Barış Alper, who passed to Jakobs, who then found Torreira.
Victor Osimhen scored Galatasaray's first goal. The striker took 4 shots total and made critical defensive interventions before being substituted due to a muscle injury. This injury during the season's critical phase raised concerns for the team. Galatasaray's second goal came from Gabriel Sara, whose free-kick was reviewed by VAR and upheld. Sports writer Serkan Korkmaz called Sara "Kurtarıcı Sara" (Savior Sara).
How did VAR decisions affect the match?
Referee Kadir Sağlam's match saw VAR intervene on several critical decisions. A goal by Davinson Sanchez was disallowed for offside after VAR review. VAR also reviewed a potential penalty decision during the match. The game recorded 29 fouls, with the referee showing 5 yellow cards and 1 red card. Umut Bozok received a direct red card.
Başakşehir's goals included an own goal by Davinson Sanchez. The total ball-in-play time was recorded at 51.17 minutes. Deniz guarded Başakşehir's goal while Uğurcan Çakır was in goal for Galatasaray. Zeki Uzundurukan described the match as "Macera filmi gibi OSCAR'LIK MAÇ!" (Like an adventure movie, an OSCAR-WORTHY MATCH!).
What is Galatasaray's league position?
Following this victory, Galatasaray strengthened their position in the Süper Lig. The team has 3 wins and 1 draw from 4 matches, reaching 10 points. Their recent four-match form is WWWD (Win, Win, Win, Draw). The current league table can be checked on our standings page.
League leaders Galatasaray face Çaykur Rizespor at home on December 6th. The team's season performance statistics are available on our stats page. Galatasaray's performance in this match, particularly their second-half recovery, stood out. The irony of Okan Buruk managing Başakşehir against Galatasaray at Fatih Terim Stadium was noted as a curious detail.
