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Turkish Super Lig Weekly: Leroy Sane finally arrives for Galatasaray while Besiktas stumble

Leroy Sane bagged a brace for Galatasaray against Istanbul Basaksehir
Leroy Sane bagged a brace for Galatasaray against Istanbul BasaksehirČTK / imago sportfotodienst / Seskimphoto / Flashscore

The Super Lig returned after the international break as a Leroy Sane-led Galatasaray, Trabzonspor and Fenerbahce all claimed wins. However, Besiktas suffered a humbling defeat to bring them crashing back down to earth.

Galatasaray returned from the international break with a trip to Istanbul Basaksehir on Saturday evening. With Mario Lemina and Victor Osimhen on the bench after arriving back late from Africa, and Davinson Sanchez and Wilfried Singo missing, it was up to some other players to step up.

That man was Leroy Sane.

The German has yet to get going in a Galatasaray shirt, often looking like he is trying too hard to beat players, and was even dropped to the bench for back-to-back games just before the international break.

However, against Basaksehir, Sane netted a brace to guide the three-time defending champions to a scrappy 2-1 victory, putting in by far and away his best performance.

A menace on the wing, Sane showed great composure for both his efforts, while Ilkay Gundogan and Gabriel Sara produced a pair of superb assists.

Having a player of the pedigree, quality and calibre of the former Manchester City and Bayern Munich man is a huge coup for the club, and they will be desperately hoping now that he kicks on.

With the win, Galatasaray improved their record in the league this season to eight wins and a draw.

Trabzonspor remain their closest challengers at the moment, sitting five points behind them in second after they continued their fine season so far with a 2-1 win at Rizespor.

Signed from Bastia in the summer, 19-year-old Christ Inao Oulai impressed for the third game in a row, setting up Paul Onuachu for their second goal.

Onuachu continues to thrive in Turkey, sitting atop the Super Lig goalscorer standings with seven goals this campaign. In his previous loan stint at Trabzon two seasons ago, he bagged 15 goals in just 21 league games. With his size and presence, he is a real handful for defenders.

Meanwhile, Fenerbahce remained in third place after a 2-1 win over 10-man Karagumruk. Anderson Talisca and Marco Asensio both bagged for the hosts before a second-half goal from Serginho cut the deficit down.

Despite dominating the contest and missing several chances of their own, they also leaked several huge opportunities, and could have easily conceded one or two more goals. They certainly don't look anywhere near the quality of Galatasaray as they hunt their first title since 2014 - but in truth, no one does.

And that includes Besiktas, as Sergen Yalcin's side fell to a really poor 2-1 loss at home to Genclerbirligi, despite leading with 11 minutes left of the match.

Things had looked to be improving for Besiktas in the last few games, but this defeat will have brought them crashing back down to earth.

Since their title triumph in 2021, there has been a steady decline with the club, and they have been miles away from title challengers. To be honest, things have been a mess, and despite spending a lot of money this summer on some good players, it seems like the issues stem from the mentality of the club from top to bottom.

Sergen was in charge the last time they won the Super Lig, and he has to try and instil some belief into the players and create a balanced team, instead of one just stacked with expensive purchases.

There have certainly been some more positive signs since his appointment a few weeks ago, but a result like the one on the weekend is a reminder that he has plenty of work to do.

Super Lig table
Super Lig tableFlashscore

Team of the Week

Team of the Week
Team of the WeekFlashscore

Carlo Holse is the Flashscore Player of the Week, according to our very own internal ratings system, after starring with a brace in Samsunspor's 3-1 win at Kayserispor. He is joined by defensive teammates Rick van Drongelen and Logi Tomasson.

Sane finds a spot in the starting XI after his fine performance, while Mame Thiam leads the line after scoring just his second goal of the season to help Eyupspor to a 2-0 triumph over Kasimpasa.

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