Galatasaray Faces Hatayspor in Turkish Super Lig Showdown

MERSIN, Turkey — A high-stakes Turkish Super Lig clash between title contenders Galatasaray and relegation-threatened Hatayspor is set to take place at Mersin Stadyumu on Friday, January 17, 2025. The match kicks off at 5 p.m. local time, marking the second round of the 2024-25 season.

Galatasaray, the defending champions, enter the game with an unblemished away record of eight wins in eight matches. They are determined to maintain their dominance despite off-field distractions, including accusations of refereeing bias from rivals Fenerbahce. Hatayspor, on the other hand, are fighting to escape the relegation zone, having won just one of their last 18 league matches.

The two teams last met on the opening weekend of the season, with Galatasaray securing a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory thanks to late goals from Mauro Icardi and Michy Batshuayi. Hatayspor, however, have historically performed well at home against Galatasaray, winning four of their last five encounters at Mersin Stadyumu.

Hatayspor will be led by their third full-time manager of the season, Murat Sahin, who steps into his first head coaching role. Sahin, previously an assistant, faces the daunting task of steering the team clear of relegation. “We know the challenge ahead, but we believe in our ability to turn things around,” Sahin said in a pre-match press conference.

Galatasaray, meanwhile, remain focused on their title defense. “Despite the noise, our focus is on the pitch,” said Galatasaray’s manager. “We respect Hatayspor, but we are here to win.”

Hatayspor will be without midfielder Jonathan Okoronkwo, who is sidelined with a foot injury, and goalkeeper Erce Kardesler, who is suspended due to yellow card accumulation. Galatasaray are missing star striker Mauro Icardi, out for the season with a cruciate ligament injury, and midfielder Gabriel Sara, who is recovering from a hamstring issue.

With Galatasaray’s superior firepower and Hatayspor’s determination to survive, the match promises to be a tightly contested affair. Fans can watch the game live on Fubo, Fanatiz, and beIN SPORTS Connect in the United States.