Swiss Analysts Surprised by Galatasaray’s Defeat to Young Boys: Return Leg Crucial in Istanbul

Swiss Shock at Galatasaray! ‘Big surprise, they couldn’t even win a single match’

Galatasaray lost 3-2 away to Switzerland’s Young Boys in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League play-off round. After going 2-0 down in the first half, the yellow-reds gave their fans hope with a strong second-half performance, leaving their chances of advancing to Istanbul. Swiss football journalists made exclusive comments to Spor Arena about last night’s match. Our colleagues also revealed which team they see as having the advantage in the return leg.

Our only representative in the Champions League, Galatasaray, finished the first half 2-0 down at Wankdorf Stadium after conceding shocking goals. Galatasaray, who gained momentum with Michy Batshuayi’s introduction in the second half, managed to equalize the score with two goals from the Belgian striker. However, Galatasaray couldn’t prevent Filip Ugrinic’s penalty goal in the 86th minute and left the match with a 3-2 defeat. The yellow-reds, who caught the eye with their effective play in the second half, sent a warning to their opponents ahead of the return leg in Istanbul. Our Swiss colleagues shared their analysis of both teams’ performances last night and the upcoming return match.

SWISS JOURNALISTS’ POST-MATCH COMMENTS ARE AS FOLLOWS:

DOMINIC WUILLEMIN (BERNER ZEITUNG):

“Galatasaray seemed to underestimate Young Boys”

The score was indeed a big surprise because Young Boys had a very poor start to the season and had very little confidence. But the early goal seemed to strengthen their belief. The first-half performance was the best they’ve played in a long time. Galatasaray, on the other hand, played disorganized football for a long time and seemed to be underestimating their opponents. Perhaps they struggled a bit on the artificial turf in the first half. In previous years, other big European teams had faced similar challenges in Bern. Bringing the score to 2-2 was a reaction you’d expect from a top-level team. Galatasaray did not have their best night, but they almost got the result they wanted. That is a sign of quality. Michy Batshuayi changed Galatasaray’s game. Of course, Galatasaray has to win the return match first. But I think they have an advantage due to their fans and the fact that they won’t be playing on artificial turf in Istanbul.

NIK DOEMER (CH MEDIA):

“Young Boys played more comfortably than Galatasaray”

The result was very surprising. Young Boys struggled a lot this season, but so far they haven’t won a single match in the Swiss Super League. This is very unusual because they are the team with the highest individual quality in Switzerland. Despite being the weaker side, it turned out that Young Boys played more comfortably than Galatasaray. This was the best performance the Swiss champions have shown so far this season. The transitions after winning the ball and the high pressing at times were very good. We could see that Galatasaray had trouble dealing with Young Boys’ long passes early in the match. Additionally, the unfamiliar conditions on the artificial turf also played a role in Galatasaray’s game. This is something that often happens to teams coming to Switzerland for European competition. Fenerbahçe also played on artificial turf against Lugano.

“Istanbul’s atmosphere will further strengthen Galatasaray”

Galatasaray was much better in the second half, especially due to Michy Batshuayi’s individual quality. His immediate impact and scoring showed that he is an extraordinary player. Although the Young Boys defense gave him too much space, the second goal was a brilliant strike. Despite Young Boys’ victory, I still see Galatasaray as slightly more advantageous. Young Boys are the weaker side, and there’s only a one-goal difference. The atmosphere in Istanbul will further strengthen Galatasaray’s individually strong team.

OLIVER ZESIGER (SPORTS DIRECTOR):

“Young Boys’ performance surprised me a bit”

Galatasaray had enough chances to win this match. Young Boys’ performance surprised me a bit. They’ve struggled defensively this season. But the Young Boys coach said before the match that they wanted to play bravely and attack Galatasaray. They identified weaknesses in Galatasaray’s defense and tried to exploit them. The plan worked because Galatasaray sometimes played disorganized football at the back. Galatasaray also seemed surprised by Young Boys’ constant attacking intent.

“Batshuayi; he came, he saw, and he almost conquered!”

Young Boys are in poor form, and it’s harder to come back when you’re out of form. The match turning to 2-2 was the turning point. For a moment, I thought Galatasaray would completely turn the game around and return to Istanbul with a win. Michy Batshuayi; he came, he saw, and he almost conquered! That’s what you want to see from a substitute player. Batshuayi had an immediate impact. “They don’t call the atmosphere in Istanbul ‘hell’ for nothing”

Unfortunately, I haven’t had the chance to watch a match at Galatasaray’s stadium yet. But even on TV, the fans’ noise is very loud, it looked very impressive. They don’t call it ‘hell’ for nothing. I think if Young Boys can stay calm and cool-headed, they can get through this match in Istanbul. But Galatasaray remains the favorite. Tonight’s result doesn’t change that fact.

JEFF BALTERMIA (SRF SPORT):

“Galatasaray is the favorite in the return leg, but Young Boys can still surprise”

I think Young Boys played very well. It was our best performance of the season. The result was well-deserved for Young Boys. I expected a bit more from Galatasaray in terms of performance. I was impressed by Galatasaray’s bench. The quality of the substitutes is incredible. After the 2-2 scoreline, I thought YB might collapse. But Young Boys managed to get back into the game. Michy Batshuayi; with his presence, technique, and dynamism, changed the course of the game. Batshuayi is a top-level player and very impressive. Unfortunately, I’ve never been to the stadium in Istanbul, but I know the atmosphere is famous. I think the fans will have a big impact in the return match. Galatasaray remains the favorite for me, but I definitely think Young Boys can still pull off a surprise.