On Monday evening, a hot derby between Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray electrified the Bosphorus. Right in the middle: DFB star Leroy Sané, who experienced a rollercoaster of emotions.
In his 17th appearance for Galatasaray, Leroy Sané, who moved from FC Bayern to the Turkish SüperLig on a free transfer in the summer, played a leading role in one of the infamous Istanbul city derbies for the first time. The German gave “Gala the lead” after 27 minutes when his shot after a short dribble was deflected into the net by Fenerbahçe’s Jayden Oosterwolde. It was Sané’s fourth goal in his new employer’s jersey.
In the 44th minute, Sané and Co. were lucky when a shot from Edson Álvarez landed in the goal, but referee Yasin Kol refused to recognize the goal because it had previously been a handball by Milan Skriniar.
Istanbul derby with a strong mark from FC Schalke 04
Shortly after the start of the second half, Sané was once again the focus: this time the 29-year-old shone as a provider for center forward Victor Osimhen, who was denied by Fenerbahçe keeper Ederson. Sané was also denied a 2-0 lead after 60 minutes. Skriniar was able to block a shot from around 16 meters at the last second.
When everything looked like a Galatasaray victory in the duel between the arch-enemies, the ball fidgeted in the goal again. A cross from substitute Levent Mercan, who like Sané comes from the FC Schalke 04 academy, was nodded in by Fenerbahçe attacker Jhon Duran in the fifth minute of injury time for a deserved equalizer.
Due to the division of points, Galatasaray remains at the top of the table, but the gap to Fenerbahçe, which is coached by former S04 coach Domenico Tedesco, is only one point. After 14 matchdays, Trabzonspor is just one more point behind.
The big Istanbul derby was once again characterized by emotions and a heated atmosphere. Highlight: Galatasaray’s Kazimcan Karatas was hit by a lighter in the first half and the game was temporarily interrupted.