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By Goli Innocent
Galatasaray S.K. produced a stunning second-half display to defeat Juventus F.C. 5-2 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League knockout play-off in Istanbul on Tuesday night.
Dutch forward Noa Lang scored twice as the Turkish champions overturned a half-time deficit in a pulsating encounter at Rams Park.
Despite trailing 2-1 at the break, the hosts overwhelmed the Italian side after the interval to seize firm control of the tie.
Galatasaray struck first through Brazilian midfielder Gabriel Sara, who rifled home from just inside the box in 15 minutes.
Juventus responded almost immediately when Teun Koopmeiners tapped in after goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir parried a header from Khephren Thuram.
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Koopmeiners then curled in a superb second on 32 minutes following a neat exchange with Weston McKennie to hand the visitors the advantage.
However, the momentum shifted dramatically after the break. Lang capitalised on a loose ball inside the six-yard box to level on 49 minutes, igniting the home crowd.
Colombian defender Davinson Sanchez powered in a header on the hour mark to put Galatasaray ahead.
Juventus’ hopes faded further when Colombian full-back Juan Cabal was sent off for a second booking on 67 minutes.
Lang completed his brace soon after, while substitute Sacha Boey sealed the emphatic victory with a fierce finish five minutes from time.
Under coach Okan Buruk, Galatasaray will now travel to Turin with a commanding three-goal cushion, leaving Juventus and manager Luciano Spalletti facing a daunting task in the return leg.
