Galatasaray Aims to Extend Unbeaten Run Against Istanbul Basaksehir

Galatasaray, still unbeaten in the Turkish Super Lig this season, will face Istanbul Basaksehir in a highly anticipated match at Basaksehir Fatih Terim Stadium on Sunday at 7:00 p.m. (UTC+3). The game comes amid ongoing controversy surrounding referee decisions, particularly following accusations from Fenerbahce President Ali Koc.

Galatasaray enters the match with an impressive record of 15 wins and 2 draws from their first 17 Super Lig games, remaining unbeaten at the top of the table with 47 points. Istanbul Basaksehir, currently in 7th place with 26 points, will aim to challenge the league leaders and improve their own standing.

The match is set against a backdrop of controversy, as Fenerbahce President Ali Koc recently accused Galatasaray of benefiting from biased refereeing during the previous season. Koc’s allegations, made during a press conference on Wednesday, have sparked a broader debate about the integrity of officiating in Turkish football.

Galatasaray’s unbeaten streak extends to 22 matches across the Super Lig, Turkish Cup, and UEFA Europa League, making them the only team in Europe’s top 10 leagues to remain undefeated away from home this season. Their dominance has been fueled by a combination of clinical attacking play and resilience in tight matches.

Istanbul Basaksehir, meanwhile, has had a mixed season, with 7 wins, 5 draws, and 5 losses. They will need to improve on recent performances to stand a chance against the league leaders. The team’s home form has been solid, with four wins and four draws in eight league matches at the Fatih Terim Stadium.

Galatasaray’s manager, Okan Buruk, will be closely monitoring three key players—Baris Alper Yilmaz, Fernando Muslera, and Abdulkerim Bardakci—who are on a yellow card suspension watch. A booking in this match would rule them out of the crucial upcoming game against Atakas Hatayspor.

The broader implications of the referee controversy have led to calls for reform within Turkish football. Koc has repeatedly advocated for greater transparency in officiating and a restructuring of the Turkish Football Federation (TFF). These issues are likely to remain a focal point as the season progresses.

As Galatasaray prepares for this critical clash, the team must balance the pressure of maintaining their unbeaten run with the external controversies that threaten to overshadow their achievements. The match promises to be a hard-fought encounter, with both teams eager to secure a vital victory.