Liverpool vs Galatasaray

Cim Bom reminds Liverpool that they
are not walking alone

Having an unfortunate start at home in the Turkish Super League, Galatasaray challenged Liverpool, disappointed by its own performance in the first 6 weeks of the Premier League, in Anfield. Down 3-0 in the first moments of the competition, the Turkish team fought back with two goals towards the end.


Comparing the two teams appearing on the English pitch to the chants of the fans filling the stands, the Merseyside club was the favourite for sure. Liverpool came out shining with stars such as Steven Gerard, Xabi Alonso, Luis Garcia, Jermaine Pennant and Dirk Kuyt; while Mehmet Topal, who used to play in the Turkish second league until a few weeks ago, was preparing for his first European experience due to the absence of Innamoto, Galatasaray’s transfer from the English Championship league. But upon failing to challenge one of the most expensive midfielders of the world, Gerard, he was substituted by Hasan Sas. Not surprisingly, the absence of Hasan Sas in the line-up stunned the spectators as much as the Sky Sports commentators. This was not the only strange decision of Erik Gerets, the Belgian coach of Turkish champion, Galatasaray. For instance, a midfielder originally playing at the right back for three seasons so far, Cihan Haspolatlı is still in the line-up despite his many missteps including at least one own goal. Umit Karan, top scorer; Hasan Şaş and Okan Buruk, the most experienced player of the team were all waiting as substitutes on the bench at the start.

Istanbul spirit
Champion’s League Winner Liverpool came to the competition with an improved team. Although the British media continued to make fun of Peter Crouch, who scored two of the night’s goals, one with a magnificent scissor kick, the team was made up of the star players keeping the team spirit at its height. Galatasaray laid bare all its defects in protecting the wings during the last match played in the league, allowing Ersen Martin from Trabzonspor to score two goals and thus attracting the attention of Benitez. Consequently, the night of 27 September was to be the night of Peter Crouch apparently.
Walking onto the field with the song “You Will Never Walk Alone” being chanted by the fans, Liverpool started its attacks from the very first seconds of the match. The Reds took advantage of the wings Galatasaray failed to protect and forged ahead with a score of 2-0 in the 14th minute. At this point, the Sky Sports commentators reminded viewers of the most far out defeat of Galatasaray in the Champion’s League by another English team, Chelsea, in the year 2000 at Ali Sami Yen stadium in Istanbul. However, a fact that was ignored by the same announcers is that after that game, Galatasaray went on to win the UEFA Cup undefeated.
Song’s loyalty ...
Completing the first half 2-0, an unbecoming one for a Champions League competition, the Turkish team started the second half with two changes in tactics: Cihan Hapolatlı and Mehmet Topal were substituted by Hasan Sas and Umit Karan. This meant that Sabri would draw back to right-back and the team would adopt a 4-4-2 diamond with one defensive midfielder and two strikers. Actually, Galatasaray met some advantageous positions in the first half, yet could not score. Therefore, Karan’s entry to the pitch aroused the hopes of the fans, who know him for his famous strikes. Evidently, the powerful sounds of “Cim bom bom” being chanted were heard all over Anfield and all around the world through the TV.

The ghost of Istanbul
Strange though, that the goal was actually the kiss of life for Galatasaray, not Liverpool. As if the bell had tolled for them, the yellow-red team was reminded of their aim and went on the attack giving up the struggle in the midfield. For it was one of the best-organised midfields they were facing. Their solution was to rush any ball they acquired across the midfield or else push the ball towards the wings. These tactics resulted in two fast goals by Karan, reminding British fans of the Istanbul spirit.
The cure of Liverpool was about to poison Liverpool itself at Anfield. The spirit is now transformed into a ghost wandering along the Anfield Road. Spending the last 20 minutes in awe, the host team monitored the positions Hakan Sukur, Sasa Ilic and Karan with terrified eyes. Nevertheless, they were able to leave the field with a victorious score of 3-2.