Galatasaray back on track with Trabzonspor win: 3-1

By Satuk Bugra Kutlugun

ANKARA

Galatasaray defeated Trabzonspor 3-1 on Monday in Turkey's Spor Toto Super Lig to cut the deficit with Medipol Basaksehir to six points.

The match at Turk Telekom Arena was Mbaye Diagne's first ever with Galatasaray uniform, as he did not take too long to score.

The league's top goalscorer (21 goals) converted a penalty kick in the 21st minute to give his team the lead.

However, Trabzonspor quickly equalized the match at 1-1 after Hugo Rodallega's powerful curved shot into the right top in the 30th minute.

Galatasaray -- just like the first 12 minutes to start the match -- applied full pressure on Trabzonspor goal once again to break the deadlock.

Younes Belhanda gave Galatasaray the lead in the 44th minute with a strike that was deflected off Trabzonspor player's head to find the net.

The second half started for 'Cimbom' just as good as the first half, Belhanda increased the lead to two with a well-placed shot in the 51st minute.

The match was generally controlled by the 'Lions', as they got the win and increased their points total to 39.

Last week, Galatasaray drew with Alanyaspor 1-1 to lose two critical points in the title race.

Medipol Basaksehir, on Saturday, were drawn with BB Erzurumspor with 1-1 score. They have now 45 points and continue to lead the league.

Benfica 10-0 Nacional

Galatasaray's UEFA Europa League opponent Benfica trashed Nacional on Sunday evening with a staggering score of 10-0.

Benfica's goals were scored by Alejandro Grimaldo (1), Haris Seferovic (21,27), Joao Felix (50), Pizzi (54), Francisco Reis Ferreira (56), Ruben Dias (64), Jonas (85,90) and Rafa Silva (88).

Benfica continued to closely follow Porto after their sixth league win in a row, increasing their points total to 50, only one point behind the leaders.

Galatasaray will host Benfica on Feb. 14, Thursday at Turk Telekom Arena.