Young Boys stun Galatasaray in Istanbul to seal place in Champions League

By Can Erozden

The Swiss football club Young Boys stunned Galatasaray 1-0 in Istanbul on Tuesday to book their place in the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League league phase.

Young Boys' French forward Alan Virginius scored the winning goal on a quick counterattack in the 87th minute, with the club completing a 4-2 victory on aggregate.

During the thrilling match, the visitors were well-disciplined and calm, annoying Galatasaray in front of their fans at RAMS Park.

Galatasaray were looking to level the tie, but Virginius' late strike shattered the Turkish club's Champions League hopes.

Additionally, Galatasaray were down to 10 men as Uruguayan goalkeeper Fernando Muslera was shown a red card for tripping Virginius while he was celebrating his goal.

This season, Galatasaray will play in the second-tier UEFA Europa League.

In addition to Young Boys, Austria's Salzburg and Czech club Sparta Prague qualified for the Champions League's league phase.

Salzburg drew with Dynamo Kyiv 1-1 but won 3-1 on aggregate.

Sparta Prague beat Swedish opponents Malmo 2-0 as the Czechs won 4-0 on aggregate.

- Wednesday's fixtures in Champions League playoffs 2nd leg

Qarabag vs. GNK Dinamo (0-3)

Slovan Bratislava vs. Midtjylland (1-1)

Crvena Zvezda vs. Bodo/Glimt (1-2)

Slavia Prague vs. Lille (0-2)

*Brackets are showing the results of the first leg.