Galatasaray hosted PAOK in their first match of the UEFA Europa League 2024/2025 season and secured a 3-1 victory.
In their opening UEFA Europa League match, Galatasaray played against Greek side PAOK at RAMS Park. The yellow-reds claimed the win with goals from Baba Rahman (own goal), Yunus Akgün, and Mauro Icardi.
With this result, Galatasaray earned their first 3 points in the group, while PAOK is yet to score any points. Galatasaray’s next group match will be an away game against RFS on October 3.
Match Highlights
Galatasaray coach Okan Buruk fielded the starting 11 consisting of Günay Güvenç, Kaan Ayhan, Davinson Sanchez, Abdülkerim Bardakcı, Ismail Jakobs, Lucas Torreira, Gabriel Sara, Barış Alper Yılmaz, Dries Mertens, Yunus Akgün, and Victor Osimhen.
On the bench for Galatasaray were Batuhan Şen, Atakan Ordu, Kerem Demirbay, Mauro Icardi, Berkan Kutlu, Elias Jelert, Victor Nelsson, Yusuf Demir, Michy Batshuayi, Berat Luş, Efe Akman, and Metehan Baltacı.
Okan Buruk had to make changes to the lineup that started in the 3-1 victory against Fenerbahçe in the Super Lig on September 21, as goalkeeper Fernando Muslera was unavailable due to suspension. Buruk placed experienced goalkeeper Günay Güvenç between the posts.
Starting Lineups
Galatasaray: Günay Güvenç, Kaan Ayhan, Sanchez, Abdülkerim Bardakcı, Jakobs, Torreira, Gabriel Sara, Barış Alper Yılmaz, Mertens, Yunus Akgün, Osimhen
Galatasaray Substitutes: Batuhan, Atakan, Kerem, Icardi, Berkan, Jelert, Nelsson, Yusuf, Batshuayi, Berat, Efe, Metehan
PAOK: Kotarski, Jonny, Kadziora, Colley, Baba, Camara, Ozdoev, Zivkovic, Konstantelias, Taison, Chalov
Match Stats (First Half)
• Possession: 61% – 39%
• Shots (On Target): 13/3 – 4/2
• RCS Touches: 19 – 8
• Expected Goals (xG): 0.89 – 0.49
• Big Chances Missed: 2 – 1
Galatasaray will face RFS in their next UEFA Europa League group stage match on October 3.
