Galatasaray leaves qualification hopes to miracles after conceding 4 goals: Dutch away game becomes a nightmare

Galatasaray was defeated 4-1 by AZ Alkmaar in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League play-off round, which they played away from home.

The home team took the lead in the 12th minute of the match played at the AFAS Stadium. Sven Mijnans stepped up for the free kick. Mijnans scored a highlight-reel goal by sending the ball into the net with a classy strike.

Galatasaray's response to this goal came in the 20th minute. Roland Sallai, who found the ball in front of him after it deflected off the Alkmaar defense from a Barış Alper Yılmaz shot, struck without hesitation. The Hungarian footballer sent the ball into the net with a classy finish to level the score: 1-1.

AZ Alkmaar won a penalty in the 36th minute of the match. The referee pointed to the penalty spot after Seiya Maikuma went down following a challenge by Barış Alper Yılmaz.

Troy Parrot, who took the penalty, sent the ball and the goalkeeper to opposite corners to put his team ahead once again in the match: 2-1.

The first half of the match ended with AZ Alkmaar leading 2-1.

KAAN AYHAN SENT OFF

In the 51st minute, Kaan Ayhan was shown a second yellow card, followed by a red, after a challenge on his opponent, leaving Galatasaray with 10 men.

The Dutch team brought the score to 3-1 with a goal from Jordy Clasie.

AZ Alkmaar found another goal in the 66th minute through David Moller Wolfe, making the score 4-1.

There were no more goals in the remainder of the match, and Galatasaray lost 4-1 to AZ Alkmaar in the away fixture.

The return leg of the match will be played at RAMS Park on Thursday, February 20.