Galatasaray stun Fenerbahce 3-1 in Istanbul derby to extend gap on top

By Can Erozden

Visitors Galatasaray stunned archrivals Fenerbahce 3-1 in a Saturday Turkish Super Lig match to go five points clear at the top of the division.

In the minute 20, Galatasaray midfielder Lucas Torreira fired a volley outside the box that hit the bar first, then Fenerbahce goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic before going inside of the net.

After Livakovic's own goal, Galatasaray took the lead at Fenerbahce's Ulker Stadium.

Eight minutes later Galatasaray's Belgian midfielder Dries Mertens doubled the lead for the Lions. Mertens chipped the ball over Livakovic after Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen's chest pass in the box. Galatasaray led the first half 2-0.

Galatasaray's Brazilian midfielder Gabriel Sara added a third goal in the minute 59 after exchanging a pass with Torreira, 3-0.

Then Fenerbahce's Fred was fouled in the area as the home team were awarded a penalty. Bosnian forward Edin Dzeko scored from the white spot in the 63rd minute, 1-3.

In the injury time of the second half, Fenerbahce's Moroccan forward Youssef En-Nesyri had a chance in the penalty area but Galatasaray's Victor Nelsson blocked his close-range shot, a critical tackle by the Danish defender.

Derby victors Galatasaray also ended Fenerbahce's 32-match unbeaten streak in the Super Lig.

This season leaders Galatasaray won all their six matches to have 18 points. Second-place Fenerbahce are five points behind their archrivals.

In their next fixture, Galatasaray will face underdogs Kasimpasa in a home match on Saturday, Sept. 28. Fenerbahce will visit Antalyaspor next weekend.