Galatasaray kick off new era with victory
Monday, January 24, 2011
Article summary
As Galatasaray AŞ embark on life at their new home, UEFA.com video bids a fond farewell to the atmospheric Ali Sami Yen Stadium and pays a visit to the club's new TT Arena.
Article top media content
Article body
Servet Çetin ensured Galatasaray AŞ got off to a winning start at their new home the TT Arena on Sunday by scoring the only goal in a 1-0 Turkish Super League victory against Sivasspor.
More than 40,000 fans witnessed the historic victory, which took the Istanbul club up to seventh in the Turkish Super League. Despite being frustrated by visiting goalkeeper Korcan Çelikay's heroics for much of the game, it proved a triumphant beginning for the hosts, with Servet sparking the celebrations with his winner 20 minutes from time.
"In the warm-up before the game, we practised set pieces and I scored a few goals," he said. "Whenever we do training like that, I get a feeling that I'll score in the match and today it became a reality. In the last match we played at Ali Sami Yen, I also scored, so to get another one is memorable."
After 46 years at their famous Ali Sami Yen Stadium, Galatasaray signed off with a 3-1 win against second division side Beypazarı Şekerspor in the Turkish Cup on 11 January. Four days later, they welcomed AFC Ajax in a friendly to mark the inauguration of their new home before their first competitive match in their new home against Sivasspor.