Galatasaray & Fenerbahce Shine in Europa League, Besiktas Disappoint

Galatasaray kicked off their UEFA Europa League campaign with a 3-1 win over PAOK.

The Turkish side dominated the match, with goals from Abdul Rahman Baba (own goal), Yunus Akgun, and Mauro Icardi securing the victory.

Galatasaray’s forward duo of Osimhen and Akgun played key roles in the win. Their performances were crucial in securing the three points.

READ: Who is Arda Guler? The 18-year-old ‘Turkish Messi’ Wanted by Europe’s Biggest Clubs

In other Europa League matches, Lazio defeated Dynamo Kyiv 3-1, and Manchester United drew 1-1 with Twente. Lazio currently leads the league phase standings with three points and a positive goal difference.

Fenerbahçe meanwhile, secured a 2-1 victory over Belgian side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise in their UEFA Europa League opener.

The Yellow Canaries dominated the first half, taking the lead through Caglar Soyuncu’s half-volley. Union Saint-Gilloise were reduced to 10 men after Kevin Mac Allister’s red card.

Fenerbahçe extended their lead through an own goal by Christian Burgess, following a shot from Bright Osayi-Samuel. The Belgian side pulled one goal back in the final minutes but couldn’t complete the comeback.

Fenerbahçe’s goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic saved a penalty from Franjo Ivanovic, preserving the victory. The win gives Fenerbahçe a strong start to the Europa League group stage.

In the other match of the night, Scottish club Rangers defeated Malmo 2-0 in Sweden.

Dutch giants Ajax cruised to a 4-0 victory over Turkish Super Lig club Beşiktaş in their UEFA Europa League group stage opener.

The match took place at the Johan Cruijff ArenA in Amsterdam.

Ajax midfielder Kian Fitz-Jim opened the scoring for the hosts in the 31st minute with a low shot from close range. Beşiktaş midfielder Moatasem Al-Musrati had a chance to equalize but his long-range shot missed the target by a narrow margin.

Ajax extended their lead in the second half through goals from Mika Godts and Kenneth Taylor. Godts scored twice, while Taylor added another goal from outside the box.

The victory gives Ajax a strong start to the Europa League and places them at the top of the group stage standings.