Batrakov Makes First Derby Start in Galatasaray Shirt

Russian footballer Aleksey Batrakov wore the red and yellow shirt of Galatasaray for the first time in a Fenerbahce derby. Batrakov started in the starting XI for one of the most important matches in Turkish football.

The new signings Rafael Leao, Lesley Ugochukwu and Deniz Gul were on the bench this time. Jankat Yilmaz and Renato Nhaga, who had been in the squad in past seasons but had never experienced the derby atmosphere, also waited on the bench.

The atmosphere of the derby carried particular weight as a test of Batrakov's career. How the young player would perform in the match was closely followed by the club management and supporters.

Signing activity and player rotation at Galatasaray were frequently in the news before this derby. The composition of the starting XI and the choices made for the bench were seen as important indicators of the coaching staff's match plan.