Football: Galatasaray win but lose defense tandem

Galatasaray beat Evkur Yeni Malatyaspor 3-0 but defense regulars suspended for derby against city rivals Fenerbahce

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) - Istanbul football giants Galatasaray won against underdogs Evkur Yeni Malatyaspor 3-0 in Saturday's Turkish Super Lig game at home but may be troubled over defense regulars' absence in next weekend's derby.

Galatasaray's Senegalese striker Mbaye Diagne converted two penalties for his team and Turkish midfielder Emre Akbaba scored one goal against Evkur Yeni Malatyaspor at Turk Telekom Stadium.

Booked in the second half, Brazilian central defender Marcao will miss the away derby against archrivals Fenerbahce to be held next Sunday, April 14.

Marcao's defensive partner, Christian Luyindama was previously sent off in this week's Turkish Cup match against Evkur Yeni Malatyaspor.

So both Marcao and Luyindama -- Galatasaray's defensive tandem -- won't be playing against Fenerbahce.

Title contenders Galatasaray, who are now in the second spot in Super Lig standings, has 55 points in 27 league games and narrowed the gap to 3 against leaders Medipol Basaksehir.

Medipol Basaksehir currently has 58 points and will take on Atiker Konyaspor on Sunday.

- Results:

Friday

Trabzonspor - Antalyaspor: 4-1

Saturday

Demir Grup Sivasspor - Istikbal Mobilya Kayserispor: 1-3

Aytemiz Alanyaspor - Bursaspor: 1-0

Galatasaray - Evkur Yeni Malatyaspor: 3-0

- Week 27 fixtures:

Sunday

Kasımpaşa - B.B. Erzurumspor at 1130GMT

MKE Ankaragucu - Fenerbahce at 1400GMT