Galatasaray defeats Besiktas in crucial derby

Galatasaray picked up a vital three points today in a crucial Istanbul derby against Besiktas at Turk Telekom Arena.

Turkish Super Lig giants Galatasaray defeated Beşiktaş 2-0 in a critical derby earlier today (Sunday), inching closer to a record-setting 21st title.

Some 50,000 fans in Turk Telekom stadium watched The Lions’ defensive midfielder Fernando and winger Garry Rodrigues put away two goals to give their team a decisive win over the Black Eagles.

In the 23rd minute, Fernando took advantage of a low cross into the penalty box from defender Yuto Nagatomo to score, giving Galatasaray an early lead.

Beşiktaş defender Dusko Tosic was sent off in the 65th minute with a red card for fouling Galatasaray striker Bafetimbi Gomis, who failed to score from a penalty kick awarded by the referee.

In the 70th minute, a powerful shot from inside the penalty area by Rodrigues put made the score 2-0 for the Lions.

The win put Galatasaray at the top of the league with 66 points, followed closely by Istanbul Başakşehir with 65 points.

The win is a significant victory for Galatasaray, who could not win the last 11 derbies against Beşiktaş and arch-rival Fenerbahçe. The Lions were beaten six times and drew in five matches.

A league title this season would be Galatasaray’s 21st. Beşiktaş has won the last two years, with a total of 15 titles. Fenerbahçe has 19 titles.

With just three more weeks of action left and still no clear champion, the title could be decided in the final week of the campaign.