Sublime combination gives Union three points in Istanbul

The hell of Istanbul lived up to its name. The Ali Semi Yen Stadium roared every time Union had the ball. It was something that brought Liverpool to their knees, but for our Union players, it only strengthened their resilience.

In the first half, barely any chances for either side, until Galatasaray hit the post and Sykes headed a ball onto the crossbar.

It was 0–0 at halftime, because it was in the second period that Raul, Zorgane, and finally David set things alight - much like the many cats found in Istanbul. A sly, cat-like little pass from Raul found Zorgane inside the box; he pulled the ball back and David put his big foot through it. 0-1, stunned silence from the home fans, wild celebrations from the away end.

Union then tightened up its organisation. Khalaili majestically swept down the flank, the Van de Perre-Zorgane midfield pair dominated, and long balls were countered by our unbreakable defensive trio.

Rodriguez still had to clear a header off the line and set up Boufal for what could have been a second Union goal. But the danger never truly rose again. And so we take our second win of this UCL campaign!

See you Sunday, at Lotto Park, for the derby!