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Friday, November 28, 2008

Galatasaray 0 - 1 FC Metalist Kharkiv

Galatasaray's qualification for the knockout stages of the UEFA Cup was put on hold as Metalist Kharkiv sealed a 1-0 smash-and-grab success in Istanbul.

Edmar's late goal ended the Turkish giants' 100% record in Group B, but goalkeeper Alexandr Goryainov was the visitors' real hero with a series of impressive saves.

Milan Baros had a goal ruled out for offside just after the half-hour mark for Gala, who remain top of the pool, but otherwise they could find no way past an inspired Goryainov.

Galatasaray suffered an ignominious exit from last season's competition, going down 5-1 on aggregate in the last 32 to a Bayer Leverkusen side coached by Michael Skibbe - now in charge of Galatasaray/

And failure to break down a Metalist side in a match they dominated almost from start to finish does not bode well for their hopes this time.

The hosts almost made an early breakthrough here when Volkan Yaman's right-footed shot was tipped round the post by Goryainov.

The stopper excelled himself again in the 11th minute to tip Arda Turan's 20-yard effort from the left channel over the bar.

And the same player forced two more routine saves from Goryainov in quick succession as the hosts peppered the Metalist goal.

Their pressure looked to have told in the 31st minute when Lincoln laid a pass across the face of goal from the left and Baros slotted the ball home at the far post, but his celebrations were cut short by the offside flag.

The over-worked Goryainov then had to be alert to save from Sabri Sarioglu as Skibbe's men continued to monopolise the attacking play.

The one-way traffic showed no sign of stopping in the second half and Goryainov athletically tipped away another Sabri effort to keep the Ukrainians in the contest.

Baros also saw a shot kept out by Goryainov, easily his side's best performer on the night, but it was Edmar who stole the headlines with an 81st-minute winner.

The Brazilian finished into the bottom corner from the left side of the area to stun Gala and give Metalist their first win in the group.

Match Stats
Galatasaray FC Metalist Kharkiv
Shots (on Goal) 11(9) 6(4)
Fouls 10 8
Corner Kicks 7 3
Offsides 4 0
Time of Possession 47% 53%
Yellow Cards 2 1
Red Cards 0 0
Saves 3 9

Match Information
Stadium: Ali Sami Yen Stadium, Turkey
Attendance: 20,000
Match Time: 13:00 ET
Official(s):
J Granat (Referee)

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