Turkish Super Lig Weekly: Galatasaray Celebrates in Style as They Claim Championship Title Again

The atmosphere was electric this weekend at RAMS Park as Galatasaray celebrated a spectacular season, clinching the Super Lig title for an unprecedented 25th time in front of a thrilled home crowd. The festivities included a goalkeeper taking a penalty, a surprise guest announcing a goal, and some playful jabs aimed at a certain Portuguese manager—this was a celebration that truly went over the top.

In the run-up to the match, anticipation grew steadily, with preparations for massive celebrations underway.

Securing their 25th Super Lig title was a monumental achievement for the club, allowing them to add a fifth star to their crest and reach a historic milestone. It’s been a significant point of pride for Galatasaray, as they aim to reach 25 titles before Fenerbahce hits 20.

The club had planned a series of celebrations across Istanbul in the upcoming weeks to commemorate this milestone.

First, however, they had to face Kayserispor, with several club legends present as injured striker Mauro Icardi returned to Istanbul to a hero’s welcome.

From the outset, it was clear this was going to be a one-sided affair. Galatasaray showcased the freedom and joy that comes with being crowned champions.

Victor Osimhen kicked off the scoring, heading in from a corner taken by Gabriel Sara, demonstrating once again their strength in set-pieces. With 36 goals from dead-ball situations this season, Sara’s exquisite left foot has been crucial to this tally.

This marked Osimhen’s 36th goal across all competitions and his 25th in the Super Lig, widening his lead in the Golden Boot race to four goals.

Baris Alper Yilmaz soon doubled the lead with a composed finish, celebrating by taking out his phone to film himself and his teammates.

From that moment on, it felt like a casual kick-about amongst friends, with players keen to join in on the scoring spree.

And then came a surprising turn when a most unlikely player found the net.

Substitute Alvaro Morata was brought down in the penalty area in the 90th minute, leading to a VAR review that awarded a penalty. The crowd erupted in calls for goalkeeper Fernando Muslera to take the shot, with his teammates encouraging him to seize the moment.

The Uruguayan legend stepped up and slotted the penalty home, looking almost sheepish as he did. In doing so, he became the first goalkeeper to score in Super Lig history since Muslera himself over a decade ago.

Back in 2012, he scored a similar penalty on the last day of his debut season for Galatasaray, when they were already assured of the title. Thirteen years later, in what is likely his final campaign with the club, he replicated that moment. As he approaches the conclusion of a remarkable career with Galatasaray—where he’s become the most decorated player in Turkish football history with 19 trophies (8 Super Lig titles)—this felt like a fitting farewell. Teammates and fans flooded the pitch to celebrate with him.

In the dying minutes of the match, players eagerly anticipated the chance to celebrate, lining the sidelines with flags draped over their shoulders and water spraying everywhere.

Before the match concluded, a Galatasaray staff member placed a laptop in front of the TV cameras displaying the words “THE REAL ONE” accompanied by five stars above it, a cheeky dig at Jose Mourinho and his “Special One” moniker. Earlier this season, he’d put a laptop in front of cameras to illustrate a referee decision he felt was unjust.

As the final whistle blew, chaos ensued following a comfortable 3-0 victory. Players swarmed the pitch alongside family and friends, and a DJ arrived with music and a drumbeat.

There were emotional scenes as Muslera and Dries Mertens were seen tearing up; both are set to leave at the end of the season. Mertens has played an integral role in securing three league titles and one cup during his time at Galatasaray, and he may even be contemplating retirement.

Osimhen remained tight-lipped about his future but was also indulging in the celebrations that stretched deep into the night. He has promised an announcement regarding his future is forthcoming.

With this victory, Galatasaray and manager Okan Buruk have put the finishing touches on a remarkable season. With two games left to play, they can now relish the coming weeks. Their dominance has been unquestionable, and more entertainment awaits.

Read about how Galatasaray secured their 25th Super Lig crown and a third consecutive title.

League Update

With just two rounds remaining, the five teams representing Turkey in Europe next season have been confirmed. Eyupspor’s 2-1 loss to Fenerbahce meant they can no longer secure a top-five finish, while Galatasaray, Fenerbahce, Samsunspor, Besiktas, and Istanbul Basaksehir have clinched their European spots.

Galatasaray has already secured a spot in the Champions League group stage, while Fenerbahce will enter the qualification round for the tournament.

A draw for Samsunspor in either of their last two matches will confirm their place in the Europa League qualifiers, capping off a stunning season for a side that has gone above and beyond expectations. Credit goes to coach Thomas Reis for this achievement.

Besiktas needs just one more victory to reach the Europa League qualifying round, while Basaksehir appears poised to enter the Conference League.

At the other end of the table, Sivasspor joined Hatayspor and Adana Demirspor (with -2 points) in being relegated from the Super Lig. Sivasspor has previously experienced relegation just once during the 2016/17 season after being a fixtures in the Super Lig since 2005, and will be hoping for a swift return to the top flight.

One more relegation spot is yet to be decided, with Alanyaspor and Bodrum vying to avoid the drop. Alanyaspor currently sits three points clear, but Bodrum holds the upper hand in their head-to-head record. If they finish level on points, Alanyaspor could be relegated.

Highlight of the Week

In a heartwarming moment, Galatasaray enlisted Osimhen’s daughter to announce her father’s name over the tannoy after he netted the opener for the champions. They’re certainly doing everything they can to keep him at the club.

Team of the Week

Hatayspor’s Bilal Boutobba and Jonathan Okoronkwo have also made it into the starting XI, along with Fenerbahce’s Dusan Tadic and Mert Muldur, and Galatasaray’s left-back Eren Elmali makes the cut as well.