Galatasaray played a friendly match against Pendikspor during the international break. In the rain at Pendik Stadium, the Lions came back from a 3-0 halftime deficit to secure a 3-3 draw.
Pendikspor dominated the first half, with Taha Emre İnce, Hakan Yeşil, and Bekir Karadeniz each scoring to make it 3-0. Galatasaray responded after the break. Arda Ünyay reduced the deficit, and Arda Tagay made it 3-2. Kaan Ayhan then converted a late penalty to complete the comeback and level the score.
KEY NOTES FROM THE MATCH
El Chadaille Bitshiabu made his debut for Galatasaray. The French centre-back, on loan from RB Leipzig, started the match and played the full 90 minutes. Heavy rain throughout the match made for difficult playing conditions.
THE LINE-UPS
Galatasaray's starting XI was as follows: Enes Emre Büyük, Bitshiabu, Kaan Ayhan, Kazımcan Karataş, Arda Ünyay, Eyüp Aydın, Gabriel Sara, Leroy Sane, İlkay Gündoğan, Can Armando Güner, Berat Luş.
The friendly served as preparation for the return of the Süper Lig. Galatasaray currently sit 2nd in the league, and their form in the last five matches reads LWLWW. The team's next fixture is at home against Kasımpaşa.
More detail at Fotomac
Galatasaray's manager praised the players' reaction after yesterday's friendly. The technical staff stated, "The character of the players who came back from 3-0 down to earn a draw was appreciated." The team is second in the Süper Lig, having scored 13 and conceded 10 goals. Their last five official matches yielded 2 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses. The yellow-reds are preparing to face eighth-placed Kasımpaşa.
