Galatasaray clinch 22nd Turkish league title

Galatasaray hold an unassailable three-point lead over Basaksehir ahead of the final round of matches


Istanbul May 21, 2019
PHOTO: Reuters

ISTANBUL: Galatasaray sealed their 22nd Turkish league title on Sunday with a dramatic 2-1 win over nearest challengers Istanbul Basaksehir in a capital-city derby marred by violence.

With the two teams level on points and head-to-head record heading into their penultimate match of the season, the fate of the title was in the balance.

Bosnian Riad Bajic gave Basaksehir, chasing their maiden title, an early lead, which saw Galatasaray fans throw projectiles onto the pitch — with Basaksehir defender Mahmut Tekdemir left stricken on the turf.

There were also clashes between the players on the sidelines, with former Arsenal and Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor among those booked while on the Basaksehir bench.

Fatih Terim's Galatasaray, roared on by their vociferous fans, fought back in the second half.

Algeria international Sofiane Feghouli levelled less than two minutes after the break, and Nigerian youngster Henry Onyekuru grabbed the title-clinching winner in the 64th minute with his 14th league goal of the campaign.

Galatasaray hold an unassailable three-point lead over Basaksehir ahead of the final round of matches, after their previous meeting this term finished in a draw.

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