First Half: Early Drama and a Late Equalizer
The match kicked off with early intensity, as AZ Alkmaar struck quickly in the second minute. A swift counterattack down the right wing from AZ's Lahdo saw him face-to-face with Galatasaray's goalkeeper Fernando Muslera. Although Muslera saved the initial shot, Sven Mijnans was there to pounce on the rebound, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead.
However, the early goal did little to dampen Galatasaray's spirits, and they responded with pressure of their own. In the 9th minute, Muslera produced two spectacular saves, first stopping a dangerous ball passed behind the defense and then reacting quickly to prevent further damage. Galatasaray continued to create chances, with Victor Osimhen coming close in the 13th minute, his header from Dries Mertens' cross going just over the bar.
The Turkish side began to dominate possession as the half progressed, orchestrating several attacks. Barış Alper Yılmaz, after a brilliant dribble from Gabriel Sara, tried his luck from a tight angle in the 22nd minute, but his shot sailed wide. Mertens had a chance to test AZ’s defense with a corner in the 23rd minute, but the ball was blocked before it could trouble the goalkeeper.
Despite AZ's quick counterattacks, Galatasaray remained solid defensively, and the match saw moments of both teams looking for the decisive goal. In the 43rd minute, after a sustained period of pressure, the equalizer came. Mertens delivered a perfect cross from the right, and Osimhen rose above the defense to head the ball into the net. After a brief VAR review, the goal was confirmed, and the first half ended level at 1-1.
Second Half: Pressure Mounts as Both Teams Seek a Winner
Galatasaray made an early substitution in the second half, with Victor Nelsson replaced by Metehan Baltacı. The team came out strong, with Osimhen again threatening the AZ goal, but goalkeeper Zoet stood firm to keep the score level.
In the 49th minute, Metehan Baltacı made a crucial defensive intervention, preventing AZ’s fast break from creating a dangerous chance. Galatasaray continued to push forward, and in the 52nd minute, a free kick from Sara found Osimhen, but the Nigerian striker’s header was just wide.
Barış Alper Yılmaz had another opportunity in the 58th minute, but his shot was blocked by AZ's defense after a brilliant pass from Mertens. As the match approached the hour mark, Kerem Demirbay replaced Michy Batshuayi, adding fresh legs to the attack.
In the 69th minute, a dangerous cross from Barış Alper Yılmaz was met by Osimhen, but both the striker and goalkeeper Zoet were unable to convert, with the ball going for a corner.
As the match neared its conclusion, Galatasaray continued to press, with a promising free-kick opportunity in the 75th minute. The cross from Sara was met by Abdülkerim Bardakcı, but his header struck the post, leaving Galatasaray frustrated.
Late Drama and Disallowed Goal
The final stages of the match saw more drama, with AZ reduced to 10 men in the 90+1st minute after Kees Smith was shown a second yellow card for a foul on Elias Jelert. Galatasaray seized the opportunity, and in the dying moments of extra time, Osimhen thought he had scored the winner in the 90+3rd minute, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
With both teams exhausted, the match ended in a 1-1 draw after Kerem Demirbay’s final shot from outside the penalty area went wide of the mark.
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