Galatasaray lost 1-0 to Switzerland’s Young Boys in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League playoff round. The yellow-reds, who displayed a lackluster performance throughout the match, failed to prevent Alan Virginius’s goal in the 87th minute, leading to their elimination from Europe’s top competition. Swiss journalists closely following the game shared their thoughts on both teams’ performances with Spor Arena, also commenting on the dismissal of goalkeeper Fernando Muslera after Young Boys’ goal.
After losing 3-2 to their opponents in the first leg in Switzerland, Galatasaray could not deliver the expected performance at RAMS Park in Istanbul, exiting the tournament in the playoff stage. Conceding a goal in the 87th minute to Alan Virginius, they lost 1-0, leaving their fans in disappointment.
Galatasaray’s star players put on an ineffective performance throughout the match, causing further dismay. Our Swiss colleagues evaluated the football played by the Turkish side and the impact of the stadium’s atmosphere on the match.
DOMINIC WUILLEMIN (BERNER ZEITUNG): “FERNANDO MUSLERA DID NOT SEEM LIKE A RELIABLE GOALKEEPER”
Galatasaray’s performance surprised me. I thought they would do better at home with the support of their fans. Although they had 11 players on the pitch, they did not play in a manner that represented a team. There was no movement in the attack, which made it easier for the Young Boys’ defense. They couldn’t create any significant or surprising moments. The player who disappointed me the most was goalkeeper Fernando Muslera. Just like in the first match in Bern, he did not appear to be a reliable goalkeeper. His actions after the goal, which resulted in a red card, were also truly disappointing. However, from Ziyech to Mertens, most of Galatasaray’s stars did not perform as expected.
“YOUNG BOYS SHOWED SPIRIT AND FOUGHT TOGETHER”
There was a very impressive, loud, and intense atmosphere in the stadium. But Young Boys were not intimidated; they showed their spirit, fought together, and played very well. It was one of the best games they have played in a long time. Alan Virginius was playing his second match for Young Boys. His first match was against an amateur team in the Swiss Cup. Virginius is a player who showed his potential with his speed and skills, which he demonstrated in the goal against Galatasaray. However, it is still early to say how significant he might be for Young Boys in the future.
OLIVER ZESIGER (SPORTS DIRECTOR): “WHAT MUSLERA DID IS UNFORGIVABLE. HE PAID THE PRICE!”
It was surprising to see Galatasaray face so many scoring threats in the first half. They still lack good defenders to compete at a higher level. Another thing I noticed was that Young Boys were physically a more fit team. They were also more athletic, and there was a significant difference between them and Galatasaray in this regard. I know I am criticizing a club legend, but Muslera never seemed reliable in goal. He allowed the ball to slip from his hands too often and could not provide consistent performance. What Muslera did against Virginius is unforgivable. He later paid the price. Ziyech also disappointed me. He never made a big impact on the game and was rightly substituted at halftime.
“YOUNG BOYS WERE IN FORM AND PLAYED UNITED FOOTBALL”
A friend who went to the stadium to watch the match said his ears were still ringing two hours after the game. The cheers from the fans were very loud, even on television. The fans throwing objects at Young Boys players did not harm them; instead, it motivated them further. Young Boys were in good form and played united football. By throwing objects at the players, Galatasaray fans actually did their club a disservice. The Young Boys players acted more united after the on-field and fan incidents.
