Galatasaray Fails to Secure Victory in European Away Matches

In the second week of the UEFA Europa League, Galatasaray failed to hold onto a two-goal lead in their away match against Latvian side RFS, with the game ending in a 2-2 draw. The result extends Galatasaray’s winless streak in European away games to five matches.

The match at Daugava Stadium started well for the Turkish side, with goals from Dries Mertens in the 12th minute and Yunus Akgün in the 38th minute, giving Galatasaray a 2-0 lead. However, RFS pulled one back through Janis Ikaunieks in the 40th minute, sending the game into halftime with Galatasaray leading 2-1.

In the second half, the home team started stronger and found the equalizer in the 55th minute through Lasha Odisharia. Galatasaray struggled to regain control and couldn’t capitalize on opportunities to take the lead again. The match ended 2-2.

With this result, Galatasaray now has 4 points after two matches, while RFS secured their first point of the competition.

Galatasaray Struggles to Hold Leads

Galatasaray has now dropped points in two consecutive matches after taking the lead. In the 7th week of the Turkish Super Lig, they let a 3-0 lead slip against Kasımpaşa, finishing the match 3-3. Just five days later, they gave up a 2-0 lead against RFS, resulting in another draw.

Defensive Issues Continue for Galatasaray

Galatasaray has conceded goals in 11 of their 12 official matches this season. In the Turkish Super Lig, they have allowed goals in 6 of their 7 matches, conceding a total of 8 goals.

In addition, they have conceded goals in all five matches played in the Turkish Super Cup, UEFA Champions League qualifiers, and UEFA Europa League, allowing a total of 12 goals across these competitions. In total, Galatasaray has conceded 20 goals in 12 official matches.

Galatasaray Winless in Last 5 European Away Games

Galatasaray has now gone five consecutive away matches in European competitions without a win. After defeating Manchester United 3-2 in their first away match in the UEFA Champions League last season, they suffered defeats to Bayern Munich (2-1), Copenhagen (1-0), and Sparta Prague (4-1), before their latest draw against RFS.

Mertens Nets 4th Goal of the Season

Galatasaray’s Belgian star Dries Mertens scored his fourth goal of the season in the match against RFS. The 37-year-old has scored 3 goals in 7 Turkish Super Lig matches and added his first goal in the UEFA Europa League this season.

Mertens has appeared in a total of 12 official matches this season, including two UEFA Champions League qualifiers and one Turkish Super Cup match.

Yunus Akgün Continues to Score

Galatasaray’s homegrown winger Yunus Akgün has now scored 3 goals in official matches this season. The 24-year-old, who has been a regular starter, has scored once in 7 Turkish Super Lig matches and added two goals in the UEFA Europa League, following his strikes against PAOK and RFS.