Rigas Futbol Skola, Frankfurter Eintracht’s next opponent in the Europa League, surprisingly defied Galatasaray – after being 2-0 down.
Celebrations for the underdog: RFS celebrates the 2-2 draw against Cim Bom.
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Long faces at Galatasaray. The Turkish champions looked like the sure winner in their second Europa League appearance this season thanks to a deserved 2-0 lead – only to have to start the journey back towards the Bosporus with a meager 2-2.
Without top purchase Osimhen (muscle injury), but with well-known personnel in the starting line-up such as Icardi and Mertens, “Cim Bom” started dominantly, which was quickly reflected on the scoreboard. A first Jakobs shot in the opening phase didn’t make it through, but after a strong cross run from Akgün, whose cross from the right Icardi headed in, Mertens made it 1-0 from close range (12th).
Akgün with the fine foot
The second goal from the visitors in the 38th minute was worth seeing: Sanchez sent the ball from his own half into the path of Akgün, who took it with a fine first contact and mercilessly overcame the rushing Ondoa.
The game seemed to be over, but RFS suddenly shortened the game practically in return. Also after a long shot from his own half, as a result of which Ikaunieks was initially denied by keeper Güvenc, but placed the follow-up shot into the net (40th).
Odisharia makes for long faces in “Cim Bom”.
Riga started the second round with new hope – and quite cheekily. The third serious attack brought the equalizer. After a left cross, Ikaunieks’ header hit the post, but Odisharia reacted quickly and artistically chased the ball high into the goal (54th).
The disillusioned favorite had to increase the number of hits and subsequently brought in former Bundesliga professionals Demirbay and Batshuayi. But all of coach Okan Buruk’s substitutions didn’t work. The Latvian defense held and in the end the first point went to Rigas Futbol Skola.
Galatasaray, who carelessly squandered a 3-0 lead in the league last weekend, increased their tally to four, and their next opponent at European level is Swedish club Elfsborg on October 23rd. Rigas plays at Eintracht Frankfurt the next day.
