Galatasaray came from behind to secure a crucial 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid in a tense UEFA Champions League encounter on Wednesday. An own goal from Atletico Madrid's Marcos Llorente earned Galatasaray the draw as both sides moved closer to advancing in the Champions League.
Despite playing in an intimidating atmosphere where Atletico players were booed every time they touched the ball, the visitors took a fourth-minute lead when Matteo Ruggeri crossed from the left and Giuliano Simeone headed into the net from six yards out. The early goal seemed to put Atletico in control at RAMS Park in Istanbul, but the hosts didn't buckle.
Atletico's advantage only lasted 16 minutes. Roland Sallai fired a low ball into the penalty area from the right and Marcos Llorente slid the ball into his own net for an equalizer. The bizarre own goal handed Galatasaray an unlikely lifeline in a match where Okan Buruk's side had been scoreless in their last 192 minutes of Champions League football.
The result sets up a critical finish to the group stage for both clubs. Atletico is on 13 points from seven games and could qualify for the last 16 if they win at home next Wednesday against Bodo/Glimt. Galatasaray are on 10 points and need to win at Manchester City in their final league phase match to guarantee a place in the two-legged play-offs, although a draw may still be enough depending on other results.
This was the seventh European meeting between Galatasaray and Atletico, with the Turkish side still searching for their first win. Wednesday's draw marks progress, but the real test comes in the final matchdays as both teams battle for Champions League survival. See how other teams fared on matchday: Real Madrid Crushes Monaco 6-1 in Arbeloa's Statement Win.