Galatasaray drain 3 points from Ankara

The Istanbul giants went into the nation’s capital with one goal in mind- to come back home with all three points. The match was entertaining as there was back and forth action, but it was the away side that ended up celebrating.

The scoring began in the 12^th minute when Selcuk Inan took a  free kick and it as headed home by the defending team, resulting  in an own goal to give Gala the 1-0 lead. Still on a high confidence raid from their opener, they added a bit of spice just 8 minutes later.

Engin Baytar passed the ball down to Inan, who then passed to Kazim Richards who rifled into the top side of the net to double Gala’s lead. It was simply a dream start for the Lions.

The first half would end with that score and in the second, Milan Baros would add a penalty kick to open his scoring for the season. Kazim’s goal was his first as well.

This was the first game of the season where Gala looked almost perfect. Defensively, they were simply brilliant, tackling and heading the ball away from their danger area. They were very disciplined, and they have coach Fatih Terim to thank.

Terim brought in a very important defensive minded reinforcement in Felipe Melo; world cup starter for Brazil over a year ago. He wears the number ten, has three goals, and is nicknamed “pittbull.” The reason for that is simple: he plays with bullish quality as he shows no fear on the field. He added a much needed brave approach to the team.

Kazim brought an energy he has never shown before. He usually just coasts around in the offensive side of the field but today, he ran back to assist his defense. His goal was spectacular, but his defense was also admirable. Fatih Terim made a true soccer player out of him within the short amount of time he’s been here.

Selcuk Inan is known as the playmaker of the side. He is very intelligent on the ball, but his free kicks need a lot of work. IN Trabzon, he would score goals at will. For Gala, the only goal he has scored thus far was against Real Madrid in a pre-season friendly over a month ago. His passes are accurate but he falls down to easily. He falls down, looks up at the ref, and gives a fake smile. He is too good of a player to try and pull a maneuver like that. If Gala want 3-0 victories more often, he needs to be on top of his game.

Melo is a good defensive player that could add goals here and there, but the creativity of Arda Turan is still missed as there is no player that can produce an individual flare that could potentially be a game changer. Turan has left so finding a replacement will be hard. Or, Gala will have to build around what they have.

Today’s 3-0 victory was impressive and well-deserved, but it is just one game. If they want to keep winning, they have to put on more clinics like they did today.