Galatasaray drew 1‑1 with Gaziantep at Rams Park on 17 January 2026 after a dramatic 84th‑minute equaliser. The result secured the Lions’ position atop the Trendyol Süper Lig, keeping them three points clear of Fenerbahçe with only two games before the winter break. Both teams created several chances, with Galatasaray dominating possession early before Gaziantep fought back.
Match Overview
The fixture kicked off at 17:00 UTC under clear skies. Galatasaray lined up in a 4‑2‑3‑1, emphasizing wing play, while Gaziantep adopted a compact 3‑5‑2 to absorb pressure and counter.
Key Moments
57th minute – Sacha Boey scored from the edge of the area to give Galatasaray a 1‑0 lead after a swift counter‑attack.
71st minute – Gaziantep’s striker Yusuf Şimşek headed a set‑piece on target, forcing a save from goalkeeper Fernando Muslera.
84th minute – Raşit Çiçek finished a first‑time strike after a through‑ball from Oğuzhan Özyakup, drawing the match level.
Title Race Context
After ten matches, Galatasaray sit on 28 points, three ahead of second‑placed Fenerbahçe and boast a +16 goal difference. Their unbeaten run of nine games positioned them as early favourites. Gaziantep, with 12 points from 10 games, sit mid‑table but showed the ability to challenge the league leaders.
Statistical Snapshot
- Possession: Galatasaray 58 % – Gaziantep 42 %
- Shots (on target): Galatasaray 8 (4) – Gaziantep 6 (3)
- Pass accuracy: Galatasaray 84 % – Gaziantep 78 %
- Corner kicks: Galatasaray 5 – Gaziantep 3
- Fouls: Galatasaray 12 – Gaziantep 14
Looking Ahead
Galatasaray travel to face arch‑rivals Beşiktaş on 24 January, a match that could widen or shrink their league lead. Gaziantep head to Trabzon for an away game on 22 January, aiming to build on their confidence and stay clear of the relegation zone.
Final Analysis
The 1‑1 draw highlighted Galatasaray’s early control and Gaziantep’s resilience. While the Lions maintain their summit position, the late equaliser serves as a reminder that the Süper Lig title race remains open, with every point crucial as the season approaches the winter break.
