Galatasaray lose to Benfica in Europa League

The Lions lost the first leg of their Round of 32 clash against Benfica in Istanbul on Thursday.

Galatasaray fought hard until the end but were unable to capitalize on their ball possession against Benfica as they succumbed to a 2-1 loss at Turk Telekom Arena on Thursday evening.

The defending Super Lig champions were in control for most of the game with 67% of ball possession but lacked clinical finishing up front.

In the 26th minute of the duel, the referee awarded the Portuguese giants a penalty kick due to Galatasaray defender Marcao’s controversial handball.

Eduado Salvio stepped up and made it 1-0 for the visitors.

Galatasaray found the equalizer through their centre-back Christian Luyindama in the 54th minute but it was short-lived as just 10 minutes later Benfica’s Haris Seferovic scored and gave his team the lead once again.

Speaking at the post-game press conference, Fatih Terim claimed the referee made the wrong decision regarding the penalty which made the return leg very difficult.

Cimbom go into the second leg of their Round of 32 tie with the difficult task of overturning the score in Lisbon, Portugal where they will meet again on February 21.