The hosts started the game well and had the better of the opening 15 minutes, creating two clear cut chances for Florin Andone – but Thibaut Courtois saved well from both efforts. The Turkish side were to rue these two misses, with Eden Hazard teeing up Toni Kroos to side-foot home via a deflection minutes later.

Galatasaray vs Real Madrid

Both teams continued to create a number of chances, with ​Karim Benzema and Younes Belhanda guilty of fluffing their lines in great positions. Half time came, with the Turkish champions knowing that they were well in this game if they took their chances.

The second half continued in the same vein. Hazard had a guilt-edge chance to make it two, but somehow hit the bar with the goal at his mercy.

Incredible scenes erupted around the Turk Telekom Arena midway through the second half, as the Turkish faithful collectively booed Belhanda when he was substituted off following another shocking performance, with the Moroccan seemingly responding with some abuse back towards the crowd.

Galatasaray vs Real Madrid

Chances came and went thereafter, but Real hung on for a crucial three points to finally get their Champions League campaign up and running.

Here’s 90min’s breakdown of the game.


GALATASARAY