Fernando Muslera’s Kick Becomes a Global Sensation! Chaos and Drama for Galatasaray
In the first leg of the Champions League Play-Off round, Galatasaray suffered a 3-2 defeat against Young Boys away from home. In the second leg, held at their home ground, they were defeated 1-0 with a goal in the 87th minute. During the match, Galatasaray goalkeeper Fernando Muslera was sent off due to his actions during the opponent’s goal celebration, making headlines across European media.
Galatasaray’s Champions League Exit Draws Media Attention
Galatasaray, representing Turkey in the Champions League Play-Off round, lost both matches against Swiss side Young Boys and had to say farewell to the Champions League. After losing the first match 3-2 away, the yellow-reds were defeated 1-0 at home with a goal by Virginius in the 87th minute. Initially seen as the absolute favorite when the draw was made, Galatasaray’s exit from the Champions League received extensive coverage in European media.
European Media Reactions: Galatasaray and Muslera Under the Spotlight
Gazzetta dello Sport: “Galatasaray Becomes a Laughing Stock”
Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport commented, “From Turkey: Icardi’s Galatasaray, which needed to overturn a 3-2 loss from the first leg, failed miserably against the Swiss and became a laughing stock in the end. Only the Europa League remains as consolation for the Istanbul team.”
Corriere dello Sport: “Ended the Turks’ Hopes”
“Young Boys’ resilient defense and last-minute strike: They held onto their 3-2 lead from the first leg with tenacity and ended the Turks’ hopes for progression with a goal by Virginius in the 88th minute. Muslera was sent off after the goal,” reported Corriere dello Sport.
Marca: “No Longer Fearsome”
“Another Turkish drama in Europe: Young Boys knocked Galatasaray out of the Champions League. Just weeks ago, Mourinho’s Fenerbahce was eliminated by Lille. Now, Young Boys have deprived the Ottoman champions of a place in the Champions League. Alan Virginius’ goal condemned Galatasaray,” said Marca. The Spanish outlet added, “Young Boys, aggressive and brave, were not afraid of the ‘Turkish hell’ because, in reality, Istanbul’s stadiums are becoming less intimidating.”
AS: “Glorious Nights at the Top Are Ending”
AS noted, “Muslera has not played for Uruguay since November 2021 after a 3-0 loss to Bolivia. It seems unlikely that Marcelo Bielsa will trust him again, and the glorious nights at the top are ending for one of South America’s most iconic goalkeepers.”
Swiss Media: “Pathetic Attack”
Swiss newspaper Blick highlighted Fernando Muslera’s actions after the goal, describing it as a “pathetic attack.” They reported, “Muslera kicked Alan Virginius in the legs from behind, causing him to fall to the ground. Referee Eskas sent him off for this disgraceful act.”
La Matin: “Young Boys Promised Hell”
La Matin wrote, “The Turks promised Young Boys hell at Galatasaray’s Rams Park on Tuesday night for the second leg of the Champions League play-off. Despite the whistles, the players couldn’t ignite the match from the start.”
El Observador: “Fernando Muslera Delivered a Terrible Kick”
“Fernando Muslera kicked Young Boys’ French player Alan Virginius after he celebrated by turning towards the Galatasaray fans, receiving a straight red card,” reported El Observador.
CBS Sports Golazo: “Madness in Turkey!”
CBS Sports Golazo added, “Madness in Turkey! After Young Boys’ Virginius scored a late goal, Galatasaray goalkeeper Fernando Muslera lost his temper and was shown a red card.”
