Galatasaray claims 22nd Turkish league title

ISTANBUL

Defending Turkish champion Galatasaray won the Spor Toto Super League title for the second season in a row on May 19 after defeating second placed Başakşehir 2-1 at home, with one game to play before the season ends.

Başakşehir made a better start to the game when Rijad Bajic scored in the 20th minute, but that only served to fire up Galatasaray fans and players.

Galatasaray scored twice in the second half, with Sofiane Feghouli and Henry Onyekuru’s goals helping the club secure its 22nd title in the country football’s top flight.

The two Istanbul sides were locked on 66 points with two matches to play coming into May 19’s showdown.

But as the head-to-head record, rather than goal difference, is the deciding factor in Turkey between teams on equal points, the winner of the derby would win the title.

The two sides had drawn 1-1 in the first half of the season, so the victory meant Galatasaray clinched the title even if it loses the last match of the season next week.

Galatasaray also secured a place in the Champions League group stage for the next season.

The league title game came three days after Galatasaray clinched the Turkish Cup, making Fatih Terim the coach with the most league-cup doubles.

It was the third local double for Terim, who also extended his record seven Turkish league titles to eight.

“This is a well-deserved title,” Terim said after the game. “The club community, all the Galatasaray fans across the world, we have overcome crises and chaos.”

Terim added that major clubs come with major problems.

“We do not work at a club where there is no pressure when you lose,” he said.

“But you lose when you give up, not when you lose a game.”

Galatasaray supporters poured to the streets across the country to celebrate the title, with the biggest celebrations being held in Istanbul’s Taksim Square.

Meanwhile in the fight against relegation, Bursaspor was held to goalless draw at home by Göztepe on May 19, carrying the struggle to the last game.

Akhisarspor, which has already relegated to the lower division, drew 2-2 with Kayserispor on May 19, while Alanyaspor and Rizespor shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw.

Elsewhere, Trabzonspor beat Beşiktaş 2-1, Antalyaspor won 3-0 against Malatyaspor at home, and Konyaspor drew 1-1 with Kasımpaşa.