Even before the kick-off whistle at the Türk Telekom Stadium, it was clear that the round of sixteen of the premier class on 17 December would be drawn without the Turkish record champion. Coach Fatih Terim's squad, after only four points in five games, had only third place in the standings and the prospect of participating in the Europa League.
At the end of the group stage, the "Lions" finally stayed at four points. Despite their 3-2 defeat on the sixth and final matchday, the Turks at least overwinter in the UEFA Europa League - thanks to Schalke 04. The squires defeated Lokomotive Moscow 1-0 in the parallel game and played the yellow-red cards. So the result in Istanbul had no meaning at all. Like Schalke, the Portuguese had already qualified for the round of sixteen before the final matchday. With 16 points, coach Sergio Conceicao's team also almost achieved the maximum yield.
After all, the supporters at Aslantepe saw a last Champions League match worth seeing. The home side started strongly and had the first two big chances with Garry Rodrigues and Eren Derdiyok. But the goal was scored by the winner of Group D. Felipe headed a free kick from Alex Telle's mother soul alone to 1-0. Galatasaray was impressed by the goal for a long time and, after an unnecessary foul by Mariano in his own sixteenth, even had to accept the 2-0 by Marega.
Another penalty brought the "Lions" back into the game. Sofiane Feghouli reduced the score to 1:2 shortly before the break whistle.
The second 45 minutes started almost identical to the first. The hosts missed out on two chances to equalise, Porto then countered in an exemplary manner, punished the loss of youngster Ozan Kabak mercilessly and raised Sergio Oliveira to 3-1. The Turkish champions finally threw everything forward in the last half hour. However, the Terim side did not get more than Derdiyok's goal. Feghouli missed the best opportunity to equalise with another penalty after 67 minutes. In the end, the home side led all the game statistics, but the goals in Istanbul were scored by the Portuguese.
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