The Young Boys qualify for the Champions League – and how! After winning the first leg 3:2, they also prevail against Galatasaray in the heated atmosphere of Istanbul. Alan Virginius scores a well-deserved winning goal in the 87th minute.
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At 0:01 local time, it is done: After midnight, arms go up and the Young Boys embrace each other. They have tackled a mammoth task not just somehow or with luck, but with an excellent performance. Alan Virginius ensures, in the 87th minute, that the Bernese beat Galatasaray for the second time within a week and qualify for the Champions League.
“The performance was impressive,” summarizes Coach Patrick Rahmen, “we implemented what we set out to do.” He rates the qualification for the Champions League as “extremely high”: “After this start to the season and the most difficult draw we could have gotten, this success is anything but a given; it is simply sensational. It just brings immense joy.”
“Totally happy” is Marvin Keller: “For all of us, a dream is coming true. We allowed very little even in the second half because we defended solidarity and managed to build on the performance of the first leg. The team deserves a great compliment.”
Sandro Lauper reflects: “Everything worked out. I am incredibly proud of the team.” He is also proud of how YB presented themselves: “We never became frantic and always found the creative solution. In the second half, we sat a bit deeper, but still allowed hardly anything.” And how does it feel to be back in the Champions League? “Great. You can never get enough of it.”
Flashback. It is 10:00 PM local time when the evening begins – with Marvin Keller in goal for YB. David von Ballmoos did everything he could to be on the pitch in Istanbul after his shoulder injury in the first leg. However, since he is still somewhat limited in certain movements, Keller takes over his position. Otherwise, the starting formation of the Bernese is the same as last Wednesday.
In the wonderful stadium of Galatasaray, there is deafening noise, but the guests do not let themselves be intimidated. As soon as the match starts, they have the first good opportunity. After a cross from Ebrima Colley, Jaouen Hadjam’s shot is blocked (2nd minute). Just three minutes later, Silvere Ganvoula breaks away, shoots, but the ball flies past the left post – however, the assistant’s flag goes up after this scene. The YB striker had started from an offside position. Then goalkeeper Fernando Muslera has to intervene three times: after a free kick from Filip Ugrinic (8th minute) and two shots from Ebrima Colley (12th and 18th minutes).
YB presents themselves bravely in this cauldron, just as Patrick Rahmen had envisioned when he announced the night before: “We have arguments and want to make an impact.” The coach shows that he is pleased with the performance by repeatedly applauding on the sidelines.
After half an hour, the lead seems perfect. Ganvoula outjumps his opponents after a corner. The ball bounces back from the post, Colley is on the spot. Unfortunately, the Bernese jubilation ends abruptly: Their 1:0, which would undoubtedly have been a deserved reward, is disallowed for offside.
The Swiss champions continue undeterred, defending with determination and constantly seeking the swift path to the opponent’s penalty area. YB has created numerous chances and dominated the match, which is evident in the corner kick statistics of 6:1 in favor of the Swiss. Therefore, only one thing does not fit with the excellent performance in the first half: the 0:0 at halftime.
YB stands firm against a team that is a regular in the Champions League, demonstrating generous commitment. Once the ball ends up in the guests’ net, but Kaan Ayhan’s goal is rightly disallowed for offside (56th minute). And shortly thereafter, YB is unlucky again. Ganvoula’s header from a corner by Lewin Blum hits the post (61st minute).
20 minutes left. YB remains clever, composed, and keeps the danger largely away from their own goal. When the Turks do get to shoot, Marvin Keller stays alert. With his saves against Kerem Aktürkoglu (71st minute) and Kerem Demirbay (72nd minute), he keeps his team on course.
After 80 minutes, things get heated and unpleasant. Filip Ugrinic and Ebrima Colley are pelted with cups by unruly Galatasaray fans while being substituted, prompting them to quickly return to the pitch for protection. This leads to a brief scuffle. The Young Boys withstand this moment too…
…and then comes the 87th minute! Cedric Itten sets up perfectly, Alan Virginius breaks in on goalkeeper Muslera and outwits him brilliantly. 1:0 for YB! It is a co-production of two substituted players. The door to the Champions League is now wide open.
At least ten minutes are added, ten minutes in which nothing else occurs. The noise in the stadium is nowhere near as loud as before the match. However, now the YB fans in their sector can be heard. Because Galatasaray never found a solution against YB, who can now look forward to Thursday. Then the Champions League draw will take place in Monaco.
Sportingly, YB continues in the Super League next Saturday. Lausanne-Sport will visit Wankdorf (8:30 PM).
“Grande Fiesta” in the locker room in Istanbul! (Photo: Thomas Hodel)
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