20.02.2025 20:30
Galatasaray was eliminated from Europe after drawing 2-2 with AZ Alkmaar in the second leg of the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 playoff, having lost 4-1 in the first leg. The most talked-about topic among the yellow-reds was head coach Okan Buruk's decision to start Günay in goal instead of Muslera. Galatasaray fans are curious about why the Uruguayan goalkeeper, who was benched for reasons other than injury or suspension, remained on the sidelines.
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Galatasaray will host the Dutch representative AZ Alkmaar in the second leg of the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 play-off. The match, which will start at 20:45, has revealed the starting 11s, and the surprising goalkeeper choice of head coach Okan Buruk has been widely discussed.
STARTING 11s
Galatasaray: Günay, Cuesta, Davinson, Abdülkerim, Jelert, Torreira, Sara, Sallai, Mertens, Barış, Osimhen.
AZ Alkmaar: Owusu-Oduro, Maikuma, Goes, Penetra, Wolfe, Belic, Koopmeiners, Mijnans, Poku, Lahdo, Parrott.
MUSLERA ON THE BENCH FOR THE FIRST TIME IN YEARS
It has become a topic of discussion that head coach Okan Buruk chose Günay Güvenç instead of Fernando Muslera in goal for Galatasaray. Muslera is on the bench for the first time in a long time, due to suspension and injury, and the reason for this has started to be questioned.
THE REASON IS BEING QUESTIONED
Following this development, Galatasaray fans began to question the reason behind head coach Okan Buruk's choice. It was suggested that the decision to keep Muslera on the bench was made to rest him before the Fenerbahçe derby, and to avoid putting the Uruguayan goalkeeper, who has previously drawn criticism, back in the spotlight in case of a potential defeat.
YOUNG PLAYERS ON THE BENCH
On the other hand, the fact that the yellow-red team's bench consists of young players has also drawn attention. Among the substitutes, besides Muslera, are; Jankat Yılmaz, Kerem Demirbay, Berkan Kutlu, Yusuf Demir, İsa Halidi, Kadir Subaşı, Berat Luş, Hasan Turan, Çağrı Balta, Efe Akman, and Metehan Baltacı.
GALATASARAY'S SITUATION
This season, in the "Kupa 2" organized in a league format with 36 teams for the first time, the yellow-red team completed the regular season with 3 wins, 4 draws, and 1 loss in 8 matches, finishing 14th and advancing to the play-off round. Galatasaray, which faced AZ Alkmaar in this round, lost the first match played in the Netherlands 4-1. To advance to the Round of 16, Galatasaray needs to win the match by 4 goals. A 3-goal victory for the yellow-red team will lead to extra time. In other scorelines, Galatasaray's European journey will come to an end.
WHICH CHANNEL IS THE MATCH ON?
Galatasaray will host the Dutch team AZ Alkmaar in the second leg of the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 play-off. The match, which will take place at RAMS Park, will start at 20:45. The match will be broadcasted on TRT 1 and the Tabii platform. The match will be officiated by referee Anthony Taylor from the English Football Association. The experienced referee will be assisted by Gary Beswick and Ian Hussin. The fourth official will be Sam Barrott, and the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) will be Darren England, with Stuart Attwell assisting in the VAR room.
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