Okan Buruk Implements Three Key Changes for Derby Match
In a highly anticipated derby match, Galatasaray faced off against their rivals at Chobani Stadium, entering the match with a strong lead in the Süper Lig. The yellow-red team, boasting 32 points, was eager to maintain their top position against the yellow-navy team just one point behind.
Okan Buruk Implements Key Changes for Derby Match
Galatasaray’s coach, Okan Buruk, made three significant changes to the starting lineup following a 1-0 defeat to Union Saint-Gilloise in the UEFA Champions League. The changes were necessary as the team faced several player absences due to injuries and suspensions.
Starting XI and Substitutes
Galatasaray’s starting lineup for the derby included:
- Uğurcan Çakır
- Davinson Sanchez
- Mario Lemina
- Abdülkerim Bardakcı
- Kazımcan Karataş
- Lucas Torreira
- Gabriel Sara
- İlkay Gündoğan
- Leroy Sane
- Barış Alper Yılmaz
- Victor Osimhen
The substitutes featured Batuhan Şen, Günay Güvenç, Mauro Icardi, Yunus Akgün, Berkan Kutlu, Ahmed Kutucu, Kaan Ayhan, Yusuf Demir, Gökdeniz Gürpüz, and Arda Ünyay.
Strategic Adjustments
In a lineup reshuffle, Buruk replaced Rolando Sallai, who was suspended, and Ismail Jakobs, who was injured. Victor Osimhen returned from injury and featured prominently in the starting lineup after missing previous matches due to a hamstring issue sustained during a World Cup qualifier.
With numerous key players sidelined, Buruk opted to deploy Davinson Sanchez as a right-back and Mario Lemina in a centre-back role, showcasing his tactical flexibility under pressure. Kazımcan Karataş filled in at left-back after Ismail Jakobs was ruled out due to injury.
Player Returns
Victor Osimhen’s return was a pivotal moment for Galatasaray as he had been out for two matches. Similarly, Yunus Akgün was included in the squad for the first time after undergoing hernia surgery. Initially expected to be sidelined for 4 to 6 weeks, he recovered in just over three weeks.
Kaan Ayhan and Berkan Kutlu also made their way back into the squad, having recovered from injuries that kept them out of the last two official matches.
Support from Fans
A strong contingent of approximately 2,500 Galatasaray supporters traveled to Chobani Stadium to back their team, despite the challenging atmosphere in a stadium with a capacity of around 50,000. The fans rallied together, using various forms of transportation to show their unwavering support before and during the match.
Overall, Okan Buruk’s strategic changes were crucial for Galatasaray as they aimed to solidify their position at the top of the league in this crucial derby match.
