Shabani Nonda of Galatasaray celebrates his goal against Steaua Bucharest during their Champions League third qualifying round first leg soccer match at the Ali Sami Yen Stadium in Istanbul August 13, 2008.
Photo:REUTERS/Osman Orsal (TURKEY)
Galatasaray cameback from two goals down to salvage a home draw with FC Steaua Bucharest in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League third qualifying round tie.
Galatasaray drew 2-2 with Steaua Bucharest of Romania in the first leg match of the European Champions League third qualifying round played in Istanbul on Wednesday.
Steaua looked on course to take a lead back to Romania in a fortnight when Dairo Moreno and Banel Nicolita struck in a first 12 minutes.
Galatasaray's Shabani Nonda quickly pulled one back, however, and his second goal just after half-time ensured there will be all to play for in Bucharest.
The home side were deprived the services of Harry Kewell, Tobias Linderoth and Umit Karan through injury and were behind in the fourth minute.
Aykut's goal kick fell to Moreno and the Colombian entered the box and calmly beat the keeper.
Eight minutes later a Steaua throw-in was picked up by Nicolita five metres from goal and his powerful shot doubled the lead.
Despite those setbacks the 20,000 home fans continued to support their team and were given hope on 18 minutes when Nonda struck from close range.
An equaliser nearly arrived not long before the break when Arda Turan found Nonda but Robinson Zapata made a fine reflex save.
Two minutes into the second half an Arda cross from the left was headed in by the Congolese striker.
Now the pressure was on Steaua to hold out and they did so with some comfort despite the introduction of Barıs Ozbek and Sabri Sarıoglu.
Galatasaray, meanwhile, will hope the return of injured players in a fortnight inspires them to the group stage.
Stadium: Ali Sami Yen
Referees: Laurent Duhamel, Stephane Duhamel, Laurent Ugo (France)
Galatasaray: Aykut, Emre Gungor (Sabri), Emre Asik, Servet, Hakan Balta, Meira, Hasan (Erhan), Mehmet Topal (Baris), Arda, Lincoln, Nonda
Steaua Bucharest: Zapata, Golanski (Nesu), Goian, Radoi, Marin, Nicolita, Petre (Ghionea), Lovin, Toja (Gomes), Bernhardt, Moreno
Scorers: Moreno, Nicolita (Steaua Bucharest), Nonda (Galatasaray)
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