Tuesday's Champions League Group B clash pitted Galatasaray against Real Madrid in Istanbul.
The home side had a number of opportunities in the first period, but a strike from Isco left Madrid ahead at the interval.
Galatasaray continued to impress in the early stages of the second, but they then fell apart with a brace apiece for Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo leaving the Spanish side 5-0 ahead.
The Turkish outfit had a consolation late on when Umut Bulut turned home from close range, before Ronaldo completed his hat-trick in stoppage time.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! It seems like just yesterday that Bayern Munich were lifting the Champions League trophy in May, but now a new season is upon us. It is generally accepted that there are now no easy games in this competition, but it would be fair to say that neither Galatasaray nor Real Madrid will be too pleased with opening their group campaign against each other.
Of course, Gala will have revenge on their minds this evening after they were dumped out in the quarter-finals by Real Madrid last season. The Turkish outfit did manage to secure a 3-2 win in the second leg, but the damage had already been done with Real Madrid securing a 3-0 win in Madrid courtesy of goals from Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Gonzalo Higuain.
BREAKING TEAM NEWS: Gareth Bale starts on the bench for Real Madrid this evening, with Angel di Maria coming into the starting XI. As expected, Iker Casillas starts in goal, while there is also a place for Sami Khedira. Galatasaray, meanwhile, have Didier Drogba, Wesley Sneijder and Burak Yilmaz all available. Full teams to follow.
TEAMS:
GALATASARAY: Muslera; Nounkeu, Chedjou, Eboue, Melo; Inan, Sneijder, Baytar, Riera; Drogba, Yilmaz
REAL MADRID: Casillas; Carvajal, Ramos, Pepe, Arbeloa; Khedira, Modric; Di Maria, Isco, Ronaldo; Benzema
No real surprises in the home side’s starting XI this evening with Drogba joined in attack by Yilmaz, who had a fine Champions League campaign last season. Former Liverpool winger Albert Riera also starts, as does experienced defender Emmanuel Eboue. Karim Benzema leads the line for Madrid, but there are spots on the bench for exciting youngsters Jese Rodriguez and Alvaro Morata.
Real Madrid entered their semi-final with Borussia Dortmund last season full of hope, but they were eliminated by the German side – making it the third successive season that the Spanish giants had departed in the last-four stage. However, that is now behind them and they are rightly considered as one of the favourites to lift the trophy for the 10th time.
Galatasaray are embarking on their second successive Champions League campaign having not played in the group stage since the 2006-07 season. However, with the influx of personnel such as Wesley Sneijder and Didier Drogba, they will be confident of another successful campaign in Europe. That said, it will be a big ask in a group that also contains Juventus and FC Copenhagen.
Last season, Galatasaray lost their first two games in the group stages to Manchester United and Braga, before drawing at home to Cluj. They managed to sneak into the second position in the group, however, after winning all three of their final matches, before overcoming Schalke 04 in the round of 16.
They will be able to call upon a strong home record this evening having lost just two of their last 14 European fixtures in Istanbul, while their coach Fatih Terim has a fairly strong record against Spanish clubs – winning four, drawing two and losing six of the 12 meetings. Last season's win over Madrid also ended Galatasaray's 12-game winless run against Spanish sides.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, were runners-up in Group D last season behind Borussia Dortmund, who they eventually lost to in the semi-finals. Second position in the group pitted them against Premier League outfit Manchester United, who they overcame 2-1 on aggregate in the first knockout round. Anyone remember the Nani red card?!
They also suffered disappointment in Spain last season as they finished second to Barcelona in La Liga, while they were also beaten in the final of the Copa del Rey by capital rivals Atletico Madrid. Although they reached the last four in Europe for the third successive season, it proved to be a disappointing final season for Jose Mourinho.
The Spanish outfit have enjoyed fruitful summer of recruitment, however, with Gareth Bale, Isco and Asier Illarramendi all arriving. The former scored on his debut in the 2-2 draw with Villarreal at the weekend, while Isco had also enjoyed a fine start to his career. Both are certain to play key roles in Madrid’s European campaign this season.
It has also been a good few days for Cristiano Ronaldo, who has become the highest paid footballer in the world after signing a new long-term contract with Madrid on Sunday. He is a player that certainly enjoys this competition having scored 21 goals in his last 19 Champions League matches – a quite stunning record at this level of football.
It has not been plain sailing at Madrid, however, with the constant speculation surrounding the future of Iker Casillas. The Spanish goalkeeper does indeed play this evening, but he has been left out of the team in the early part of the season. He might be a fine goalkeeper, but Diego Lopez has been arguably one of the best performers in Europe over the last six months or so.
Let’s take a moment to address Galatasaray’s league form ahead of this match. It has been a fairly uninspiring start from the Turkish outfit with one win and three draws from their four matches leaving them in seventh spot in the table. They enter the game off the back of a disappointing 1-1 draw at home to Antalyaspor last Friday.
Madrid, meanwhile, currently sit fourth in La Liga having taken 10 points from their first four games of the season. As mentioned, Bale scored on his debut at the weekend, but it ended in disappointment as Villarreal hit back to claim a 2-2 draw. It would be fair to say that the Spanish outfit have not yet hit top gear in the early part of the season.
Speaking to reporters at a press-match press conference, Gala boss Terim has admitted that he expects Real Madrid to advance from this section. He said: “Madrid are favourites to advance from this group but if we can get to double figures in terms of points, our chances of reaching the round of 16 will be a lot better. Last season we only managed one point from our first three games but then won our next three to end up on ten, which took us through.”
Meanwhile, Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti added: “Fatih Terim is a good and very experienced coach. He has trained so many good teams in the past and I have a good relationship with him. The UEFA Champions League is the most important club competition. I'm very happy to be in it again. We have a fantastic squad and are one of the favourites for the title this season. Tomorrow's difficult away game will be a good test for us to gauge what level we are at.”
Here we go then. Little over five minutes until kickoff on this red-hot evening in Istanbul. As expected, there is a quite stunning atmosphere inside the stadium. Let's hope that the football lives up to all the pre-match talk. In terms of my pre-match prediction, I am backing a score draw.
The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Just a reminder of the main teams this evening. Plenty of familiar faces in the Galatasaray XI with Drogba, Sneijder and Yilmaz all selected. Madrid leave Bale on the bench, but Ronaldo and Benzema both start in attack. Plenty of attacking talent on display from both sides.
The last time these two sides met in this stadium, Galatasaray recorded a 3-2 win in the second leg of their last-eight clash in the Champions League. Let's hope for a similar match this evening. That wonderful Champions League music has certainly raised a few pulses in Turkey. Right, the home side get the action underway in Istanbul.
Carlo Ancelotti is taking charge of his sixth side in the Champions League this evening - a quite stunning achievement. Bright work from Riera inside the opening couple of moments as the former Liverpool winger drives a low cross into the box, but Casillas is on hand to claim. Madrid have possession moments later with Isco, but he is quickly crowded out in the opposing half.
Casillas is called into action in the early stages as Melo collects possession outside the box before striking a powerful effort towards goal, but the Madrid goalkeeper is across to make the save. The resulting corner is delivered by Sneijder, but Pepe manages to clear. Positive start from the home side in Istanbul.
First sign of Ronaldo as the Portuguese collects possession on the left before attempting to move past Eboue, but he loses control at the vital moment. The home side have possession down the other end moments later with Yilmaz, but he is forced inside before Arbeloa makes the challenge. Madrid have not been allowed any sort of space in the opening six minutes this evening.
Half-chance for Ronaldo as the Portuguese finds some space outside the box before attempting to fire one into the bottom corner, but it was always moving wide of the post. More slick from the Spanish outfit in the last few moments with Isco and Modric seeing more of the ball outside the home side's box. We are right into the Champions League action here.
It's Galatasaray's turn to be frustrated as Yilmaz combines with Melo before appearing to be blocked off by Modric, but the referee is not interested, which brings a reaction from the crowd. Mr. Clattenburg will not have an easy ride this evening! The end-to-end period of the match continues with Ronaldo collecting down the other end, but he is forced inside, allowing the home side to set their defence.
Just a reminder that Juventus and Copenhagen make up Group B. Madrid will be the favourites to advance, while Juventus will also feel that they have enough to secure a spot in the next round. First real sign of Drogba as the Ivorian threatens at the back post, but the offside flag had just been raised. Slightly sloppy in the last couple of moments with both sides losing possession of the ball.
Wow. Incredible moment here as Casillas collides with Ramos, forcing the goalkeeper to remove his gloves. It does appear that Spain's number one will have to leave the field, but he does return following a period of treatment. Diego Lopez is sent back to his seat. It remains to be seen how long he can continue.
Casillas cannot continue as the Spaniard leaves the field with Lopez taking his place. His face tells the whole story as he advances down the tunnel. Ramos indeed takes the armband. The last few moments has certainly slowed the tempo and indeed atmosphere, but I suspect it will not be long before the supporters find their voices again.
CHANCE! A clash between Ramos and Drogba forces the referee to award a free kick to the Turkish outfit. The resulting set piece is delivered by Riera, it falls for Melo inside the box, but somehow he cannot turn over the line from close range. You just have to take those opportunities in games of this magnitude.
Melo has looked the most likely for the home side thus far with a couple of efforts, the first of which forced Casillas into a fine save. There has not been too much for the away supporters to get excited about, however, with the home side closing the space in midfield. There is a long way to go, but a draw would not be the worst result for either of these sides.
Big penalty claim for Madrid as Benzema wins possession down the left before finding Ronaldo in the box, the Portuguese takes one touch before moving past Chedjou, before falling to the ground. However, the referee is not interested. I have certainly seen them given there is no question about that.
Half-chance for the home side this time as Drogba stands over a free kick outside the box, but he thumps his effort straight into the wall. It falls to Melo moments later, but his cross is cleared by Ramos. Good spell for the home side in the last few minutes, but Madrid have defended intelligently thus far. Still goalless with 25 minutes on the clock in Istanbul.
Good spell of possession for Madrid in the last couple of moments, which is greeted with boos. A loose pass from Khedira presents Sneijder with the ball outside the box moments later, the Dutchman finds Drogba, but his effort is blocked by Ramos, who has been heavily involved thus far. If it were a boxing match, the home side would be winning on points with little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining.
Galatasaray are not giving Madrid a minute to rest at the moment with the likes of Inan and Baytar putting pressure on their midfield each time they attempt to gain a couple of yards. However, Sneijder has been guilty of a couple of loose passes in advanced positions. Melo's chance remains the clearest opening in what has been a tight opening 30 minutes of football.
CHANCE! Clearest opening by some distance as Sneijder finds some space inside the box before cutting it back towards Yilmaz, but Ramos is across to make a challenge at the vital moment. From the resulting corner, Melo meets the delivery from Riera, but Lopez is on hand to make a fine save. Galatasaray should be ahead here there is no question about that.
GOAL! Galatasaray 0-1 Real Madrid (Isco)
Real Madrid take the lead in Turkey as Isco holds off the challenge of Eboue before slotting into the back of the net from just inside the box. Stunning effort from the Spaniard. Where did that come from?! Madrid have hardly been in it thus far.
Real Madrid's first shot on target brings the opening goal of the match. Madrid just cannot get hold of the ball in the last couple of moments with the home side keeping possession in advanced areas. It would be no exaggeration to say that Melo could have scored three in the opening 35 minutes. Suddenly it is all Madrid as Ronaldo strikes one from outside the box, but it was always moving high and wide of the crossbar.
Another half-chance for the away side as Ronaldo stands over a free kick outside the box. Instead of attempting to beat the goalkeeper, he slots it down the wing for Carvajal, but Eboue just manages to clear at the vital moment. Another goal for Madrid would make it very difficult for the home side to respond.
Little over five minutes of the first period remaining with Real Madrid leading courtesy of that strike from Isco. The goal has certainly harmed the home side with Madrid now enjoying more of the possession. Drogba attempts to change that as he bursts towards the box, but Carvajal is on hand to make a fine challenge, before Baytar denies Ronaldo down the other end.
Mark Clattenburg has done well to keep a lid on proceedings in the last couple of moments with both sides committing to a number of challenges. That has slowed the tempo in the final couple of minutes of the first period. Galatasaray have been good for long spells, but they have been wasteful in the final third.
Good possession for Madrid in the last couple of moments with Isco and Modric enjoying plenty of the ball in the middle of the park, but Galatasaray have been nice and compact in defence. Slight problem for Drogba moments later as the Ivorian clashes with Pepe.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional four minutes at the end of the half and we are indeed into the third of those. There does seem to be some real concern for Drogba as the Ivorian hobbles off the pitch holding his shoulder. It does seem that he will be unavailable to continue.
Another half-chance for Madrid in the latter stages of the half as Ronaldo bursts into the box before striking towards goal, but Muslera is on hand to make the save. Safe to say that Benzema is not best pleased with the Frenchman unmarked in the middle of the box. We are into the final minute of stoppage time at the end of the first period.
HALF-TIME: Galatasaray 0-1 Real Madrid
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Real Madrid leading courtesy of a fine strike from Isco after 33 minutes. The goal came from the Spanish club's first effort on target, but Gala had a number of chances to open the scoring with Melo twice denied from close range.
STATISTICS: Real Madrid have just shaded the possession with 51%, but they have had just three attempts to the home side's five. It has not been a particularly dirty match, but Mark Clattenburg has been forced to issue a couple of yellow cards.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a number of attacking options on their bench in the shape of Amrabat, Kaya and Bulut. It remains to be seen whether Drogba will emerge for the second period after suffering a shoulder injury in the latter stages of the half. Madrid, meanwhile, have the likes of Morata, Jese and a certain Gareth Bale in reserve. Will we see the Welshman this evening?
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. You just get the feeling that the home side need to score the next goal if they are to take something from the match. Gala are indeed forced into a change at the interval with Amrabat replacing Drogba. Right, the away side get the second period underway.
Bright start to the second period from Madrid with Benzema and Isco exchanging passes on the left before Di Maria strikes a low cross into the box, but Inan is on hand to make the challenge. Ronaldo collects moments later before attempting to bend one into the bottom corner, but Muslera is on hand to make a fine save.
CHANCE! Incredible chance for the home side as Sneijder finds Yilmaz in the penalty area, but somehow he plants his header wide of the post. What an opportunity to level the scores. The Turkish outfit force the issue again moments later with a deep cross towards Inan, but Lopez manages to collect.
Problem for Eboue as the former Arsenal defender goes into a challenge with Isco, picking up a head injury in the process. The last thing the Turkish outfit would want is to lose another player through injury. Sneijder continues to find pockets of space on the edge of the Madrid box, but Yilmaz has found himself offside in the last couple of moments.
Another half-chance for the home side as Melo strikes an effort from outside the box, but it was always moving wide of the post. You just get the feeling that we have not seen the last of the goals this evening. One-way traffic with Galatasaray coming forward once more, but Eboue's low cross is cleared by Ramos. Good spell of pressure from Galatasaray.
GOAL! Galatasaray 0-2 Real Madrid (Benzema)
Madrid have their second of the evening as Benzema latches onto a poor header from Melo before rolling his effort into the bottom corner. Really smart finish from the Frenchman. The home side had been pushing for the equaliser, but their defence has cost them.
Carlo Ancelotti has been asking for more from Benzema in the last couple of weeks and the Frenchman has responded this evening. Not just with a goal, but he was been a willing runner throughout the match thus far. Terim does not look best pleased at the moment as he ponders his next move.
Another half-chance for the away side as Ronaldo finds some space down the right before rolling a low cross into the box, but Eboue just manages to clear under pressure from Benzema. Isco has a similar crossing opportunity moments later, but his delivery is into the arms of the goalkeeper. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining.
The referee has done well to keep a lid on proceedings in the last couple of moments with both sides diving into dangerous challenges. The Galatasaray players do seem to be in the wars at the moment as Chedjou hits the deck with another head injury. It is a surprise that the home side have not looked to their bench with little under 30 minutes of football remaining.
CHANCE! Wonderful opportunity for Ronaldo to score Madrid's third as he finds himself all alone inside the box, but he can only slice his effort over the crossbar. Moments later, the home side make a change with Baytar leaving the field for Bruma, who will provide some legs in the final third.
GOAL! Galatasaray 0-3 Real Madrid (Ronaldo)
Madrid have their third of the evening as Di Maria floats a deep cross into the box, Isco is on hand to head into the box, where Ronaldo fires home from close range. That proves to be the Spaniard's last piece of action as a certain Bale is introduced.
GOAL! Galatasaray 0-4 Real Madrid (Ronaldo)
Ronaldo has his second of the match as he turns home from close range after Muslera had kept a Ramos header out. The home side just cannot keep hold of the ball at the moment with Madrid attacking in numbers. Safe to say that the home supporters are not too pleased with what they are seeing as boos ring around the stadium.
End-to-end football in the last couple of moments with the home side coming close to opening their tally with a strike from Yilmaz, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. Madrid break down the other end with numbers, but Ronaldo picks the wrong pass at the vital moment. You just get the feeling that we have not seen the last of the goals as both sides continue to open up.
Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with Madrid just keeping control of the possession in midfield. They look to their bench for the second time, meanwhile, with new signing Illarramendi replacing Modric, who has had a fine evening. Little under 20 minutes of football remaining in this European tie.
CHANCE! Opportunity for Bale to score his first European goal for the club as the Welshman collects a pass from Benzema before thumping an effort towards goal, but Muslera is on hand to make the save. What a moment that would have been. Madrid have just been devastating on the counter this evening.
The home side are really struggling at the moment with Madrid breaking each time they have possession. If it isn't Ronaldo, it is Bale or Benzema. This performance has sent a message out to the rest of Europe there is no question about that. The home supporters are just starting to leave their seats with little over 10 minutes of football remaining.
The home side make their third and final change as Bulut replaces Yilmaz, who has struggled this evening. Bruma has a half-chance moments later as the pacey forward collects possession in a wide area before releasing an effort towards goal, but it was always moving high and wide of the crossbar.
GOAL! Galatasaray 0-5 Real Madrid (Benzema)
Madrid have goal number five as Ronaldo collects a pass from Bale before picking out Benzema, who cannot miss from close range. What a stunning performance from Real Madrid, and there is still time for it to get a lot worse for the home side.
Madrid had to soak up the pressure in the early stages, but they have been just stunning in the second period. Bale has also been involved since entering the field with a couple of telling passes. Little over five minutes of football remaining on what has been a very poor night for the home side.
GOAL! Galatasaray 1-5 Real Madrid (Bulut)
The home side have a consolation as Bulut beats Ramos to a low cross before turning into the back of the net from close range. At least the home supporters have had something to cheer in Turkey. They only need another four to secure a point.
Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with Madrid comfortable in possession of the ball. The Madrid supporters are the ones that can be heard, meanwhile, with the home fans leaving in their numbers. Little over two minutes of normal time remaining in Istanbul.
It's good work from Bale as the Welshman finds some space down the right before delivering a dangerous cross into the box, but the danger is cleared. Ronaldo has the ball in the back of the net moments later, but it is ruled offside. Galatasaray are praying for the final whistle here.
GOAL! Galatasaray 1-6 Real Madrid (Ronaldo)
Ronaldo completes his hat-trick in stoppage time as he dances into the box before thumping a powerful effort into the top corner. That is just sensational from the Portuguese. Who would have predicted this score?!
FULL-TIME: Galatasaray 1-6 Real Madrid
Wow. That is the only word that can be used to describe what we have just seen. Ronaldo scores three as Madrid record a stunning 6-1 win over Galatasaray. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to join us for more Champions League football tomorrow. Until then!
