Alan Virginius scores the decisive goal.
SRF
The scene of the game
In the 87th minute, Alan Virginius scored YB’s goal! The Bernese completed a perfect counterattack. The Bernese won the ball after a Gal corner and sent Virginius on his way. The new signing confidently scored alone in front of the goal. The 1-0 victory in the second leg secured YB’s participation in the league phase of the Champions League.
The key figure
Winger Ebrima Colley made life difficult for his opponents. His quick runs repeatedly overwhelmed the Galatasaray defense. The 24-year-old played a great game. Especially since he was actually only the replacement for Meschack Elia, who was not in the squad due to injury. Colley also did a lot of self-promotion for more playing time in the Super League.
YB silenced the shrilly loud stadium.
Ozan Emre Oktay/freshfocus
The better team
The opening phase clearly belonged to YB. The Bernese put pressure on right from the start and had three shots on goal before the tenth minute. After half an hour, YB even scored what appeared to be the opening goal, but Ebrima Colley was clearly offside when he headed the ball. The 1-0 would have been deserved, however.
Celebration: YB players celebrate their entry into the Champions League.
Ozan Emre Oktay/freshfocus
Galatasaray kept making offensive jabs, but the YB defense did its job solidly. In the second half, it was the hosts who scored an offside goal. YB responded promptly with a shot that hit the post. The final phase was wild. Galatasaray had several good chances, but YB scored the goal. Gala goalkeeper Fernando Muslera was even sent off for violent conduct.
The grandstand twittering
Galatasaray’s hot-blooded fans are considered to be the loudest in the world. Over 130 decibels are measured in Rams Park. Every time YB had possession of the ball, the Swiss champions were booed mercilessly – sometimes for minutes. The Gala fans showed their unsportsmanlike side in the final phase. When Filip Ugrinic and Ebrima Colley left the field, they were pelted with dozens of cups.
The gates
87’ I 0:1 I Shortly before the end Alan Virginius to the redeeming 1-0 for YB after a wonderful counterattack.
This is how it continues
The draw for the Champions League league phase will take place on Thursday. The first matchday of the 2024/2025 Champions League is on September 17th.