Galatasaray fixed third spot in Champions League Group C, however strictly when Astana undermined to pip them to an Europa League place.
Selcuk Inan’s equalizer saved Galatasaray’s becomes flushed and secured their spot in the knockout phases of the Europa League taking after a 1-1 draw with Astana at the Turk Telekom Arena.
With both sides as of now disposed of from the Champions League, the Turkish Super Lig side grabbed the point they expected to amplify their European battle into the second 50% of the season, however strictly when being given a noteworthy panic.
Mustafa Denizli’s men watched set to pass up a major opportunity for third place in Group C when Patrick Twumasi let go Astana in front soon after the hour as he was left unmarked at the far post to control home Dmitri Shomko’s profound cross.
The hosts reacted inside of two minutes, be that as it may, as Selcuk volleyed into a void net. The captain was at first included in a slick one-two with Lukas Podolski, before jumping to level after Burak Yilmaz’s exertion was hindered by Nenad Eric.
Subsequent to seeing Benfica and Atletico Madrid command and advance from Group C, it was a straight fight for third.
Astana – one of just three sides heading into the last round of matches yet to record a triumph in this present season’s gathering stages – went near breaking the gridlock following 15 minutes.
Twumasi got the ball on the privilege and cut inside onto his left foot, before seeing his penetrated exertion from the edge of the punishment region crash against the post.
The hosts then saw an extraordinary chance go asking at the flip side as Sabri Sarioglu’s profound cross got out the Astana protection, however Yasin Oztekin could just lift the ball over the crossbar.
Oztekin practically offered some kind of reparation, on the other hand, as the first half attracted to a nearby.
Galatasaray broke from shielding a corner and the winger worked space for the shot, however Eric sprung crosswise over splendidly on his right side to tip it wide of the post.
Oztekin was included again on the stroke of half-time with a perfect flick for Burak to run onto, however the striker struck the outside of the post subsequent to sliding the ball past the Astana goalkeeper.
The home group were left dazed following 62 minutes as Twumasi could apparition in at the far post to stroke home a profound cross into the region from Shomko.
Be that as it may, Denizli’s side leveled very quickly when Selcuk volleyed home the definitive equalizer after some flawless connection up play down the privilege.
In spite of Sarioglu very nearly scoring an odd own objective with 20 minutes remaining, Galatasaray clutched secure their place in the last 32 of the Europa League