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MULTIMEDIA
May 27, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 

Lethargic Lions literally freeze on big occasion

Galatasaray players leave the pitch in a dejected mood after their heartrending 1-1 draw with Manisaspor.
24 November 2009 / OKAN UDO BASSAY, İSTANBUL
After leader Fenerbahçe was crushed 3-0 by defending champion Beşiktaş in their İstanbul derby at the İnönü Stadium on Saturday night, the Galatasaray Lions were expected to beat visiting newcomer Manisaspor, even by the slightest margins, to co-lead the 17-team Turkcell Super League.
But it was not to be as the Lions froze on the big occasion, squandering a golden opportunity after being held to a 1-1 draw by gutsy and gritty Manisaspor in their week 13 match at İstanbul’s Ali Sami Yen Stadium -- the Lions’ den. The result means Galatasaray trails Fenerbahçe by two points and Beşiktaş also trails Galatasaray by two, making the Beşiktaş Black Eagles the biggest beneficiary of week 13.

Canadian striker Joshua Christopher Simpson’s goal in the 83rd minute gave struggling Manisa a hard-fought 1-1 equalizer at Ali Sami Yen, thus making a mockery of the fan slogan “No exit at Ali Sami Yen.” His strike canceled out a 55th minute goal by Aussie midfielder Harry Kewell that had given Galatasaray the lead.

The result left the Galatasaray adherents spellbound, but emotional Dutch coach Frank Rijkaard said there was no cause for alarm and reiterated that the championship battle will continue until the very end.

“It was a disheartening result,” Rijkaard said after the match. “And apart from two or three of my players who were outstanding, I can say it was not our day. This is a match we ought to have won under any circumstances. But we didn’t and we are all sad about it,” he further stated.

“But the fact of the matter is, there is not much difference in points [between us and Fenerbahçe]. And if we can win our remaining matches we could be leaders again,” he added.

The lethargic Lions lacked pace, stamina and a cutting edge against Manisa. These are the areas Rijkaard must address instead of making emotional remarks. There is no room for emotions in the beautiful game; that is it!

Other results on Sunday: Denizlispor 1, Antalyaspor 1, Eskisehirspor0, Ankaragücü 0;

Genclerbirligi 3, İstanbul Buyuksehir Bld. Spor 1; Kasimpasa3, Trabzonspor 1; Kayserispor 2, Diyarbakirspor 0.

 
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© Feza Gazetecilik A.Ş. 2007, Ahmet Taner Kışlalı Cad. No: 6, Bahçelievler - İstanbul 34194 Turkey, +90 (212) 454 1454, +90 (212) 454 1497(fax)