SiN
05-12-2008, 04:07 AM
http://www.galatasaraynews.com/may10_gs1.jpg
Galatasaray won the Turkish League title for the 17th time on Saturday as they beat Genclerbirligi OFTAS 2-0 at home. After a tight race for the championship, Galatasaray finished a full six points ahead of rivals Fenerbahce, who ended their season with a 2-0 loss at Trabzonspor to finish
seconds. Sivasspor finished fourth, even on points with third-placed Besiktas but behind on goal difference.
Galatasaray's goals came from veteran striker Hakan Sukur and defender Hakan Balta.The Lions, who opened the season in good form, faced some challenges on the road to the title. Fenerbahce and Besiktas, as well as surprise contenders Sivasspor, nipped at their heels all season. The team's two foreign stars, Tobias Linderoth and Lincoln, missed much of the season due to injuries. And the most severe blow came in early April, when Galatasaray's aging German coach Karl-Heinz Feldkamp abruptly quit after disputes with the management, leaving the team without a leader in the closing weeks of the season. But the Lions persevered, winning their last four matches including the all-important derby against Fenerbahce on April 25.
Temporary coach Cevat Guler, who took over from Feldkamp roles, admitted that "there may have been times in recent weeks when the fans didn't think we would be champions." But, he added, "we are delighted and thank everyone for their support." Thousands of Galatasaray fans poured into the streets of Istanbul after the final whistle, waving flags and celebrating long into the night.
Galatasaray won the Turkish League title for the 17th time on Saturday as they beat Genclerbirligi OFTAS 2-0 at home. After a tight race for the championship, Galatasaray finished a full six points ahead of rivals Fenerbahce, who ended their season with a 2-0 loss at Trabzonspor to finish
seconds. Sivasspor finished fourth, even on points with third-placed Besiktas but behind on goal difference.
Galatasaray's goals came from veteran striker Hakan Sukur and defender Hakan Balta.The Lions, who opened the season in good form, faced some challenges on the road to the title. Fenerbahce and Besiktas, as well as surprise contenders Sivasspor, nipped at their heels all season. The team's two foreign stars, Tobias Linderoth and Lincoln, missed much of the season due to injuries. And the most severe blow came in early April, when Galatasaray's aging German coach Karl-Heinz Feldkamp abruptly quit after disputes with the management, leaving the team without a leader in the closing weeks of the season. But the Lions persevered, winning their last four matches including the all-important derby against Fenerbahce on April 25.
Temporary coach Cevat Guler, who took over from Feldkamp roles, admitted that "there may have been times in recent weeks when the fans didn't think we would be champions." But, he added, "we are delighted and thank everyone for their support." Thousands of Galatasaray fans poured into the streets of Istanbul after the final whistle, waving flags and celebrating long into the night.