In the 5th week of the Süper Lig, Galatasaray defeated Kocaelispor 1-0. A goal scored by Deniz Gül in the 13th minute was disallowed after a VAR review that lasted around two minutes.
VAR DECISION
The video assistant referee system reviewed Gül's challenge. The officials ruled that Gül interfered with the ball while Kocaelispor goalkeeper Serhat had control of it with both hands. A foul was given for the incident, leading to the goal being chalked off. Galatasaray had to reset their play following the decision.
WINNING GOAL
The Lions found their winner in the 71st minute. Abdülkerim Bardakçı found the net from an Aleksey Batrakov assist, scoring the only goal that secured the three points. With this result, Galatasaray maintained their lead at the top of the table with 13 points from 5 matches. Their form over the last five games reads WLWWW.
The team's next Süper Lig fixture is a home match against 5th-placed Rizespor on December 6, 2026.
More detail at Fotomac
The Turkish Football Federation has released the VAR audio recordings from matchweek 5. The recordings include the audio justification for Galatasaray's disallowed goal against Kocaelispor. The VAR official informed referee Atilla Karaoğlan, "The goalkeeper is controlling the ball. The goalkeeper is controlling the ball with both hands. The player then kicks the ball." Karaoğlan stated, "Yes, the goalkeeper is holding the ball. I will award a direct free kick. Goal disallowed." The team continues its league leadership having scored 13 and conceded 6 goals this season.
Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk evaluated the team's performance after the Kocaelispor win. Buruk said, "We returned with three points from a tough away game. This victory is very valuable." The manager stated the team maintains its leading position with 13 points and is one point clear of Beşiktaş. He added they have scored 13 and conceded 6 goals so far this season.
