Galatasaray retain Turkish title
Sunday, May 5, 2013
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Fatih Terim paid tribute to his "deserved champions" after Galatasaray AŞ claimed their second Turkish Süper Lig title in as many years thanks to a 4-2 win against Sivasspor.
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Galatasaray AŞ have won their 19th Turkish Süper Lig title after a 4-2 victory at home to Sivasspor lifted them ten points clear of arch-rivals Fenerbahçe SK, who lost 2-0 at İstanbul BB SK.
With three games remaining, Fatih Terim's charges needed to match Fenerbahçe's result to be assured of a second straight crown, yet they left nothing to chance in Istanbul. The contest was just eight minutes old when Selçuk İnan's sweetly struck free-kick made the net bulge.
A venomous finish from Burak Yılmaz doubled the home team's lead shortly after the restart and Selçuk made it three with a stunning long-range strike on the hour mark. Burak added the final flourish after taking receipt of Umut Bulut's pass, before quickfire replies from Kadir Bekmezci and Cihan Özkara restored some pride for the visitors.
"Fortunately, this day has come," said coach Terim. "We are deserved champions. I send my love and respect to Galatasaray fans all around the world. They can now enjoy this success. Securing my sixth league title in nine years [over three spells] is no mean feat."
