Galatasaray bid farewell to their European aspirations after succumbing 4-1 to Czech aspect Sparta Prague within the return leg of the UEFA Europa League playoff spherical, having gained the primary leg 3-2.
At the Letna Stadium within the Czech capital, Prague, Galatasaray discovered themselves on the again foot, with their lone aim coming from the boot of Abdülkerim Bardakcı.
On the opposite finish, Sparta Prague’s offensive prowess shone by means of with objectives from Angelo Preciado, Indrit Tuci, Lukas Haraslin and Jan Kuchta.
With this victory, the Czech outfit cemented their spot within the spherical of 16, whereas the Lions’ European hunt abruptly stopped.
The match concluded with a short altercation between the 2 groups’ benches, leading to a crimson card for Galatasaray’s Head Coach, Okan Buruk.
Galatasaray’s European expedition this season spanned 14 encounters, comprising seven wins, three attracts, and 4 losses.
Their journey commenced within the UEFA Champions League second qualifying spherical, progressing by means of victories towards Lithuania’s Zalgiris, Slovenia’s Olimpija, and Norwegian aspect Molde, securing a berth within the group stage.
There, they clinched 5 wins and a single draw, advancing to the UEFA Europa League after ending third in Group A alongside Bayern Munich, Copenhagen and Manchester United.
Despite a promising begin, Galatasaray’s hopes had been dashed as they bowed out of the competitors following a 4-1 defeat to Sparta Prague within the playoff spherical.
Galatasaray’s woes towards Sparta Prague away from residence continued, echoing their earlier encounters.
Their first assembly dates again to the 1995-1996 UEFA Cup qualifiers, the place Galatasaray suffered a 3-1 defeat on Czech soil.
An analogous destiny befell them within the 1997-1998 UEFA Champions League group stage, conceding a 3-0 loss in Prague.
The match noticed Galatasaray decreased to 10 males as soon as extra, paying homage to their earlier fixture the place Kaan Ayhan’s expulsion left them short-handed.
In the house leg, it was Victor Nelsson who obtained a direct crimson card within the 62nd minute.
Abdülkerim Bardakcı’s aim marked his sixth in official matches this season, a commendable feat for the seasoned defender who beforehand netted thrice within the Turkish Süper Lig and as soon as every within the UEFA Champions League qualifiers and the Turkish Cup.
Reflecting on the defeat, Galatasaray’s Head Coach Okan Buruk lamented their subpar efficiency, attributing the loss to quite a few turnovers.
He admitted, “We played well below our standard today,” highlighting the pivotal position turnovers performed in Sparta Prague’s objectives.
Despite acknowledging the opponent’s benefit, Buruk remained assured in his squad’s talents, aiming to bounce again in home competitions.
Buruk additionally addressed issues relating to defensive woes, citing current departures and accidents as contributing components.
However, he remained optimistic about his workforce’s potential, emphasizing their dedication to excel in upcoming fixtures.
In a candid evaluation of the match officers, Buruk expressed disappointment with their efficiency, echoing previous grievances in European competitions.
Additionally, he apologized for the post-match altercation, acknowledging fault on either side whereas urging for higher officiating requirements.
Despite the setback, Buruk remained steadfast in his ambitions, rallying his workforce to attempt for achievement within the Turkish Cup and the Süper Cup, decided to beat the frustration of their European exit.
Source: www.dailysabah.com
