Galatasaray Crushes Gaziantep: Dominant 3-0 Statement

Highly Entertaining Futmetrix Score: 74/100. A clinical performance from Galatasaray—built on Barış Alper Yılmaz's brace and VAR's controversial intervention—leaves Gaziantep staring at a relegation battle from day one.

Early Onslaught: Penalties and Precision

The match was decided before the half-hour mark. In the 9th minute, VAR confirmed a penalty after Roland Sallai was fouled. Three minutes later, Yılmaz stepped up and converted with ice-cold composure. The intensity was immediate. By the 16th minute, Yılmaz—operating with surgical precision—threaded a pass to Eren Elmalı, who made it 2-0 from close range. Galatasaray's dominance was suffocating: 60% possession, 15 shots to Gaziantep's 5, and an xG advantage of 2.55 to 0.14. The hosts were pinned back, offering only token resistance.

Red Card Seals the Fate

In the 64th minute, Mustafa Burak Bozan's professional handball—upgraded to red by VAR—fractured what little balance remained. Down to 10 men, Gaziantep's stakes shifted from competitive to damage control. Galatasaray punished the numerical advantage ruthlessly. At the stroke of half-time, Yılmaz buried a second penalty, his 9.7 rating reflecting a masterclass in positioning and composure. Three goals in 45 minutes; the script was already written.

Relegation Looms Large

Gaziantep's season opened with a -3 goal difference and zero points. Languishing in 17th place, they face an uphill climb. Galatasaray, perched third with a pristine start, sent a message: they are title contenders. The gulf in quality—evident in pass accuracy (89% vs. 82%), shot volume, and clinical finishing—defined this encounter.