Okan Buruk hails Galatasaray turn corner in Champions League

Galatasaray head coach Okan Buruk praised his side’s tactical discipline and resilience after a commanding 2‑0 victory over VfB Stuttgart at RAMS Park, calling the result a pivotal milestone in the club’s UEFA Champions League campaign.

Aleksey Batrakov, the 21‑year‑old Russian international, scored a first‑half brace that secured all three points for the Yellow‑Reds and lifted them to six points from four matches following consecutive European wins against Lille and Stuttgart.

In the post‑match press conference Buruk said the result matched their expectations against a high‑risk, transition‑heavy opponent, noting Stuttgart’s attacking power but also their tendency to give away chances.

He added that winning without conceding gave three vital points and a two‑goal head‑to‑head advantage, describing the day as crucial for reaching the next round.

Buruk criticised English referee Chris Kavanagh for allowing several heavy tackles on Batrakov to go unpunished, saying the striker was hit on the ankles and head and the referee showed too much leniency.

The coach observed that the physical toll slowed Batrakov’s output in the second half, but praised his off‑the‑ball movement and defensive pressing as top‑class.

Looking ahead, Buruk outlined the objective of securing a top‑24 finish while defending the domestic title, with four league matches remaining, starting with Aston Villa at home on November 24, and affirmed the squad’s depth to compete on both fronts simultaneously.