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Galatasaray v Fenerbahce | |
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Around the Academy: |
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This Turkish derby is a real delight! Although the two clubs can be found in the capital Istanbul, they are actually divided by some pretty funky geography!
Tell us more!
Travel's not a problem though. The two rival stadiums are only 40 minutes away from each other! Galatasaray was founded by an all French speaking high school and is on the European side. While Fenerbahce is on the Asian side and has a largely working class following. Fener were even formed in secret, because the strict Ottoman rulers of the time banned young Turks from playing the game.
So what about the rivalry? When Manchester United visited Galatasaray in the Champions League a few seasons ago, the home fans greeted them at the airport with 'welcome to hell' banners! But that is nothing compared to the atmosphere of a derby match.
When Graeme Souness was Galatasaray manager, he was so pleased with victory over their rivals, he famously planted a club flag in the centre of Fenerbahce's pitch! Even a veteran of the great derbies of Glasgow, Liverpool and Genoa was lost in the drama and passion of this fixture! He narrowly avoided the wrath of Fener supporters by escaping through a tunnel of riot policemen!
Total domination
Galatasaray earned its fifth consecutive Turkish League Championship in 2000, before they were finally overhauled by Fenerbahce. The success of both clubs can be seen with the core of Turkey's World Cup squad made up of players from both teams. Previous success and current form are all forgotten though when both sets of players walk out to a packed stadium and an unbelievable hostile atmosphere.
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