ANKARA
Galatasaray have narrowly beaten Genclerbirligi 1-0 in the Turkish Spor Toto Super League game as Dutch star midfielder Wesley Sneijder scored a vital goal on the road to the domestic title with two games to spare.
On Saturday, the Lions' ace in offense, Sneijder, found the net in the penalty area in the 67th minute. His teammate Burak Yilmaz made the assist. After the goal, Galatasaray preferred a defensive playing style for securing the win at their home ground, Turk Telekom Arena.
Meanwhile, Galatasaray central midfielders Selcuk Inan and Hamit Altintop were subbed out because of injuries. Additionally, Istanbul heavyweights Galatasaray have not conceded any goal in the last five league matches.
This game was also Sneijder's 100th game at Galatasaray.
The Lions have won crucial three points before the derby against Besiktas, scheduled on May 24 at Turk Telekom Arena.
Leaders Galatasaray raised their points to 73. Fenerbahce have 67 points and Besiktas come in third with 66 points.
The other title contenders, Fenerbahce, will play away against Mersin Idmanyurdu. The match at Mersin Arena will start at 8 p.m., local time (1700 GMT). Fenerbahce regular Alper Potuk will miss the match due to suspension.
Results:
Balikesirspor 4-2 Kardemir Karabukspor
Medicana Sivasspor 1-1 Kasimpasa
Galatasaray 1-0 Genclerbirligi
Sunday's fixtures:
SAI Kayseri Erciyesspor vs Istanbul Basaksehir, Bursaspor vs Gaziantepspor, Eskisehirspor vs Trabzonspor, Mersin Idmanyurdu vs Fenerbahce.