CFR Cluj were off to a fine start in the Champions League, taking four points from their first three matches and putting themselves in a good position to go through to the knockout stages. A home win on Wednesday over Galatasaray, a team they drew in Turkey, would put them in the driver’s seat for advancement, but it wasn’t to be. Galatasaray stormed into Romania and led by Burak Yilmaz’s hat trick downed Cluj 3-1.
CFR Cluj vs. Galatasaray: Final score 1-3, Gala win to get even with Cluj
Galatasaray went to Cluj and came away 3-1 winners to get level in Group H on four points.
Michael Regan
Gala’s win in Romania leaves them level on points in Group H with four points. Manchester United are out of reach with 12 points, but with Braga on three points themselves, the battle for second place and the knockout stages will be tough.
It took just 18 minutes for Galatasaray to go in front thanks to a superb header by Yilmaz. He was able to perfectly head a Hamit Altintop cross into the corner while facing away from goal to put the visitors in front.
The Galatasaray lead was gone just after halftime, with Modou Sougou tallying for Cluj. Rafael Bastos' gorgeous through ball put Sougou in alone on goal and he didn't make a mistake, slotting past Fernando Muslera for the equalizer.
Cluj’s goal only put Galatasaray back on the attack, though. They pressured and finally, Yilmaz was able to put the visitors back in front when Cluj failed to clear their box. They couldn’t get the ball away and eventually Altintop crossed for Yilmaz, who finished from close to put Galatasaray deservedly back in front.
Yilmaz completed his hat trick in the 74th minute and essentially putting the match to bed. A quick break saw Yilmaz get free in front and he made no mistake with his finish. His marvelous night was complete and so was Galatasaray, who had stunned Cluj in Romania to get even in Group H.
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