Batrakov earns praise in France for his goal away at Lille

Galatasaray's 21-year-old Russian midfielder Aleksey Batrakov started away at Lille in the Champions League and contributed to his team with a goal in the 44th minute. His performance was also talked about in France. French football fans used the word "Magician" for the player on social media.

Batrakov stayed on the pitch for 85 minutes. He completed 24 of his 31 passes, reaching a pass accuracy of 77 percent. He played one key pass, generated 0.07 expected assists (xA) and had 3 touches in the opposition penalty area. His two dribble attempts did not succeed.

Both of the Russian player's goals for Galatasaray have come in the Champions League. The player, who has found the net against Barcelona and Lille, has also made 2 assists in the Super Lig.

Batrakov joined Galatasaray from Lokomotiv Moscow in the 2026 summer transfer window for a transfer fee of 25 million euros. The player signed a 5-year contract with the yellow-reds. The agreement includes a clause under which 15 percent of the profit from a future sale will be paid to Lokomotiv Moscow. Having won the fans' approval with his play and fighting spirit since the start of the season, Batrakov quickly became one of the team's well-liked names.