Substitute Deniz Gul's late winner lifts Galatasaray past Genclerbirligi

By Halis Sunnetci

ISTANBUL (AA) - Turkish Super Lig leaders Galatasaray snatched a 1-0 away victory over Genclerbirligi on Saturday after substitute Deniz Gul's late effort was deflected into the net by goalkeeper Irfan Can Egribayat.

The Istanbul side struggled to break down their opponents before Gul's 88th-minute effort from a tight angle on the right slipped past goalkeeper Irfan Can Egribayat, whose mistake handed the visitors all three points.

Both teams created chances late in the first half, with Genclerbirligi midfielder Salih Ucan coming closest in the 36th minute when his low shot was deflected onto the crossbar by goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir.

Ucan squandered another opportunity five minutes later, failing to convert a cross from close range despite being unmarked.

Galatasaray's Leroy Sane then missed an open goal in first-half stoppage time after Victor Osimhen delivered a powerful low cross from the right.

Genclerbirligi threatened again in the 52nd minute when Tiago Gouveia, set up by Franco Tongya, fired over the crossbar from inside the penalty area.

Galatasaray introduced Rafael Leao for Sane in the 61st minute, but the Portuguese winger was forced off through injury just 16 minutes later, making way for Gul.

The substitute proved decisive in the 88th minute, scoring from a difficult angle after Egribayat failed to keep out his effort.

The victory lifted Galatasaray to 19 points from eight matches, keeping them at the top of the Super Lig standings.

Genclerbirligi, playing their second match under new head coach Bernd Storck, remained on eight points and extended their winless run to six league games.

Galatasaray will host archrivals Fenerbahce in their next league match, while Genclerbirligi will travel to Konyaspor.

Halis Sünnetci