Young Boys Edge Galatasaray in Champions League Play-Off Thriller

Galatasaray supporters celebrate after the football club was crowned champion of Turkey's top division for a record 22nd time on May 19, 2019 in Istanbul. - Galatasaray sealed their 22nd Turkish league title with a dramatic 2-1 win over nearest challengers Istanbul Basaksehir in a capital-city derby marred by violence. (Photo by Yasin AKGUL / AFP) (Photo credit should read YASIN AKGUL/AFP/Getty Images)

Young Boys have taken a crucial 3-2 lead over Galatasaray in their Champions League play-off tie, thanks to a late penalty from Filip Ugrinic.

The Swiss side fought back from a 2-1 deficit to secure the victory, with Ugrinic converting a spot-kick after a VAR review adjudged Abdulkerim Bardakci to have handled the ball in the penalty area.

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The decision was controversial and heavily criticised in the Turkish media afterward.

Michy Batshuayi had given Galatasaray hope with a brace and his performance gave promise considering he is a new signing, but Young Boys’ resilience proved to be the difference.

Joel Monteiro scored twice for the Swiss side, while Ugrinic’s late strike proved to be the decisive moment of the match.

The tie remains delicately poised heading into the second leg in Istanbul. Galatasaray will be eager to overturn the deficit and secure their place in the Champions League group stage.

The Lions reached the group stage of the Champions League last season and will receive a major financial boost if they do the same again this term.