2000/01 Galatasaray AŞ 3-2 Real Madrid CF: Report

Galatasaray AŞ completed an extraordinary comeback against Real Madrid CF on a memorable night in Istanbul, recovering from 2-0 down at half-time to bring the holders to heel in a thrilling quarter-final first-leg victory.

Goals by Iván Helguera and Claude Makelele had seemingly taken Vicente del Bosque's side, who had won their eighth European Cup the previous May, out of sight. But roared on by a passionate crowd the hosts stormed back through Ümit Davala, Hasan Şaş and Madrid's nemesis, Mário Jardel.

This was a vintage Galatasaray side. Inspired by Gheorghe Hagi and spearheaded by the prolific Jardel, they had beaten Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup in August, the Brazilian striker scoring twice. The Spanish side's lineup, though, read like a who's who of world football, Raúl González, Luís Figo and Roberto Carlos just three of the glitterati on show for the visitors, who dominated the first half.

They almost took the lead on 28 minutes when Figo dragged a low shot narrowly wide but the first goal was not long in coming. Portugal captain Figo was the architect, curling over a precise free-kick which Helguera headed past Claudio Taffarel. Two minutes before half-time Roberto Carlos set up the second as his long throw to Raúl was touched on to Makelele and the France midfielder fired a rare goal in off the far post.

Unlike the Ali Sami Yen Stadium, the hosts were rocking – the local supporters would not be silenced for long. The second half was just two minutes old when Hasan Şaş was brought down by Makelele, enabling Ümit to send Iker Casillas the wrong way from the penalty spot. Then on 66 minutes it was all-square, Hasan Şaş connecting with a fine cutback from substitute Fatih Akyel following a strong run down the right.

Suddenly Lucescu's side sensed victory. Their third goal duly arrived 15 minutes from time when Fatih capitalised on a defensive slip, powered down the right and crossed for Jardel to head his third goal against Madrid in two matches. He had another effort chalked off late on, which could have left Madrid with too much to do in the return. But for the time being Galatasaray's fervent fans were able to acclaim Super Mário, and a momentous European win.