Goals from Sanchez, Abdülkerim, Sara, Mertens, and Barış Alper sealed the win for the home side.
New signings Victor Osimhen and Jakobs made their debuts in this match, and Osimhen’s performance, in particular, was highly praised by sportswriters. Despite not scoring, Osimhen was noted for his seamless integration into the team, playing with energy and confidence, as if he had been a part of the squad for years. His movement and presence on the field impressed both the fans and analysts.
Rizespor, under coach İlhan Palut, attempted a defensive approach with a five-man backline, perhaps learning from their earlier heavy defeat to Fenerbahçe. However, Galatasaray quickly broke down their defense with two set-piece goals in the first 25 minutes, controlling the game thereafter.
Veteran sportswriter comments also critiqued the match officiating by Arda Kardeşler, noting signs of tension in his decisions, potentially influenced by the current environment in Turkish football.
