Turkish journalists believe that “Galatasaray” did not take the match against “Dynamo” (draw 3:3) seriously enough, which is why they lost the victory. Local media writes that the Istanbul club looked insufficiently motivated and relaxed, and even the conceded goals did not wake them up. Moreover, the defenders and the goalkeeper failed the game, and the coaching staff could not respond in time to what was happening on the field.
They also wrote about Muslera’s emotional outburst (he threw off the captain's armband), Dries Mertens' unique record, who played the most in the Europa League, and about Andriy Yarmolenko, who scored two goals and became the main hero of this match.
TRT Spor
“Records that do not please,” — the popular site TRT Spor wrote about Dries Mertens' achievement, which did not become a reason for joy against the backdrop of a poor result in the match against “Dynamo” (3:3).
“One of Galatasaray's leaders — Dries Mertens, who played his 70th match in the Europa League (since the 2009-2010 season), surpassed Portuguese goalkeeper Rui Patricio and topped the list of footballers who have played the most matches in this tournament. The Galatasaray midfielder inscribed his name in the history of the Europa League, but hardly this record will please anyone today. The Istanbul club not only squandered victory in the match against “Dynamo” (3:3), but also disappointed everyone with their performance, especially in defense. Moreover, Mertens himself did not have the best match in the “Galatasaray” jersey, and a draw with the worst team in the Europa League does not allow considering the player’s achievement very significant against the backdrop of such a game and such a result.
37-year-old Mertens has been playing for Galatasaray since 2022, but this season will likely be his last. At least, in the Istanbul giant's jersey. The most unpleasant thing for Mertens is that the main hero of the match was not him (even after such an achievement), but his opponent — Andriy Yarmolenko. The Dynamo veteran came on as a substitute in the second half and scored two goals, showing how a team leader should play.
Sabah
“Dynamo shocked Galatasaray on their home ground,” — the journalist from Sabah does not understand how the Istanbul club managed to lose a two-goal advantage against the last team in the Europa League.
“Galatasaray” was leading “Dynamo” with a score of 3:1 at the beginning of the second half. It seemed that the Turkish club was controlling the game and could add at any moment to score more. But a quick goal at the start of the second half could play a cruel joke on the “Galatasaray” players. They believed too early in victory, relaxed, and thought that this opponent would not be able to present them with problems. However, the players of the Istanbul club forgot that they were playing in the Europa League, where any team fights for its prestige and will battle to the end. Especially “Dynamo,” which had lost all six previous matches. The Ukrainians did not give up and attacked. Dynamo veteran Andriy Yarmolenko came on as a substitute and scored two goals. In both episodes, the defenders played too poorly, just allowing Yarmolenko to break through on goal. Such relaxation cost “Galatasaray” dearly, which could do nothing after conceding the third goal. The coaching staff also did not hurry with substitutions. The 3:3 draw left an unpleasant aftertaste, and the fans left dissatisfied. This was not the result for which they bought all the tickets for the home stadium.
Fotomac
“A black day for Turkey,” — a journalist from Fotomac reminds us that on the eve of the match with “Dynamo,” the country was struck by a tragedy at a ski resort, where dozens of people died and were injured. Perhaps, against this backdrop, the unexpected draw of “Galatasaray” was perceived by the fans even more emotionally than is usually the case after such games.
“Galatasaray players took to the field with black ribbons on their arms in solidarity with those affected at the ski resort, where dozens were harmed due to a fire. Before the match against “Dynamo,” many correct words were said. And about how “Galatasaray” must play for the fans who filled the stands to 100%. And about how every victory in the Europa League is important financially for the club and regarding prestige. And about how the team cannot give fans an extra reason for disappointment on such a black day for the country.
But the words remained just words. “Galatasaray” played against the worst team in the Europa League. A team that suffered 6 defeats in 6 matches and scored only one goal. And it is “Galatasaray” who on such an important day managed to gift the Ukrainians a draw. Winning 3:1, the Istanbul club relaxed and conceded two goals from Andriy Yarmolenko. The first draw for “Dynamo,” three conceded goals for “Galatasaray,” whistles directed at Muslera, who lost his cool and then threw down the captain's armband. A match that was supposed to please the fans became yet another reason for disappointment. The rest does not matter anymore. Therefore, the words spoken by the players and coaching staff after the match will remain just words.
