Galatasaray - Fenerbahçe derby could be postponed! All eyes are on the AZ Alkmaar match...
Heavy snowfall in Istanbul has put the Galatasaray - AZ Alkmaar match at risk. The yellow-reds have moved their tactical training sessions to Florya due to harsh weather conditions, while intensive measures are being taken for the pitch at RAMS Park. With the possibility of the match being postponed on the agenda, such a delay could also affect the Galatasaray - Fenerbahçe derby in the Süper Lig.
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Galatasaray will host Dutch side AZ Alkmaar this evening in the second leg of the UEFA Europa League knockout round play-offs. Having lost the first leg 4-1, the yellow-reds are aiming for a historic comeback in the return leg to advance. However, the heavy snowfall in Istanbul has forced Galatasaray to change its pre-match plans.
To prevent damage to the new hybrid grass surface in Kemerburgaz, the yellow-reds moved their final tactical training session for the AZ Alkmaar match to the Florya Metin Oktay Facilities.
Meanwhile, efforts to protect the pitch at RAMS Park will continue until match time. The Altay Snowstorm, which is being felt across Istanbul, could put the playing of the match at risk.
According to meteorological forecasts, heavy snowfall is expected today and tomorrow. The Galatasaray management has taken various precautions to ensure the match can be played as scheduled. The pitch has been covered with tarpaulins, snow removal vehicles are on standby, and heating systems will be operated continuously.
However, if the snowfall intensifies at match time, there is a possibility of postponement. The AZ Alkmaar team held their final training session on the artificial turf on the sidelines.
On the other hand, a postponement of this match could also affect the Galatasaray - Fenerbahçe derby scheduled for Monday, February 24, in the Süper Lig.
Sabah Newspaper columnist Ömer Üründül addressed the question in his column today: "Snowfall is expected in Istanbul during Galatasaray's match. If the match is not played, it will be postponed to Friday. In this case, will there be a problem for the derby on Monday?" and made the following assessment:
"THE DERBY COULD BE POSTPONED TO A LATER DATE"
"Due to the snowfall, there is a possibility that Galatasaray's match today could be postponed to tomorrow. In this case, moving the derby to Tuesday would come to the agenda. However, considering that there are Turkish Cup matches during the week, the derby could be left to a later date. If the European match cannot be played tomorrow due to snow, it will be left to the following week."