Galatasaray bow out in style
0 Comment(s)
Print
E-mail China Daily, April 10, 2013
 |
|
Galatasaray's Didier Drogba (R) celebrates after scoring a goal against Real Madrid during their Champions League quarterfinal second leg soccer match in Istanbul, April 9, 2013. [Photo/Agencies] |
Real substitute Alvaro Arbeloa was sent off in the closing stages for a second caution but Ronaldo settled his team's nerves by adding his second goal in stoppage time after good work by Karim Benzema.
The Madrid team, who romped to a 3-0 win in the first leg at the Bernabeu, were in complete command after Ronaldo's seventh-minute goal in Istanbul.
The Portuguese almost doubled the lead with a long-range drive that keeper Fernando Muslera did well to stop.
Real winger Angel Di Maria also missed an excellent opportunity after 24 minutes when a deft back-heel from Ronaldo sent him through on goal and Muslera kept the ball out with an instinctive save.
Despite the raucous support of the home fans, Galatasaray were unable to make much of an impression early on.
It was only in the latter stages of the first half the hosts began to exert any meaningful pressure.
Diego Lopez saved well when Sneijder fired in a shot from the edge of the area in the 38th minute and soon after Drogba just failed to latch on to a through ball that would have put him clear.
Umut Bulut then had another effort from the edge of the area that flew over the bar.
At the start of the second half nine-times European champions Real appeared content to sit on their lead but Eboue's goal transformed the atmosphere and it sparked a period of sustained pressure from the home team.
Sneijder dragged his shot well wide when he was unmarked eight meters out before the Dutch international struck Galatasaray's second goal.
An upset looked possible when Drogba made it 3-1 on the night but Ronaldo had the last laugh.
Coach Fatih Terim said he was delighted with the home team's second-half fightback.
"I gave my word to the fans that whether we won or lost, it would be with a Galatasaray team they could be proud of," he explained.
"Our fans were also magnificent. There was a fantastic atmosphere and when they enjoy the game, we do too."
Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)