Winning the national championship came a step closer for Galatasaray on Sunday evening. Both Hakim Ziyech and Dries Mertens scored twice against mid-table Sivasspor.
Galatasaray entered their matchup with a comfortable four-point lead over their closest rivals Fenerbahçe as the season neared its climax.
Playing in front of a hopeful crowd, there was little for the Galatasaray fans to worry about against a Sivasspor team that seemed unlikely to pose a serious challenge. The atmosphere in the stadium was one of anticipation rather than anxiety.
From the outset, Galatasaray asserted their dominance. Just eleven minutes into the game, Hakim Ziyech, a seasoned performer known for his precision and poise, ignited the scoring. The Moroccan international, with a masterful left-foot strike from a cleverly pulled-back cross by Baris Alper Yilmaz, found the net, setting the tone for what was to become a goal fest. The early goal eased any lingering nerves in the stands and shifted the momentum firmly in favor of the home side.
As the first half progressed, Galatasaray continued to press their advantage. In the 38th minute, the dynamic changed once again thanks to Baris Alper Yilmaz, who turned provider for the second time. This time, it was Dries Mertens, the nimble former PSV striker, who doubled Galatasaray’s lead, showcasing his goal-scoring flair by neatly finishing off Yilmaz's assist.
However, the visitors managed to claw one back shortly after halftime through Caner Osmanpasa, who capitalized on a rare lapse in Galatasaray's defense. The goal briefly revived Sivasspor’s hopes and suggested a potential shift in the game’s dynamic. But any thoughts of a comeback were swiftly quashed by Mauro Icardi. The Argentine forward, always a threat in the penalty area, restored the two-goal cushion with a clinical finish, making it 3-1 and calming the nerves around the stadium.
Not to be outdone, Hakim Ziyech added to his tally just a minute after Icardi's goal. Demonstrating his high-caliber ball control and shooting ability, he fired a powerful shot from 25 meters that flew past the outstretched hands of goalkeeper Ali Sasal Vural, pushing the score to 4-1. The goal was a testament to Ziyech’s quality and an illustration of why he remains a key player for Galatasaray.
The scoring didn't stop there. Dries Mertens, feeding off the energy of the crowd, found the net again with a strike almost as spectacular as his first, bringing the score to 5-1. Each goal not only edged Galatasaray closer to a victory but also served as a statement of intent to their rivals in the league.
As the match neared its conclusion, Icardi, following in the footsteps of his attacking partners, added his second goal of the night. His goal in the 85th minute capped off a resounding 6-1 victory, sealing a performance that combined tactical nous with sheer attacking power.
This emphatic win significantly ramped up the pressure on Fenerbahçe, who found themselves needing to respond in their upcoming game against Konyaspor to keep their title hopes alive. Meanwhile, Galatasaray’s commanding victory not only showcased their formidable offensive capabilities but also reinforced their status as frontrunners for the league title as the season drew to a dramatic close.
