Georgi Tatarov and his Galatasaray took a decisive step towards a trophy this season after qualifying for the final of the Turkish Cup tournament. The "Lions" defeated their big rival Fenerbahçe with a 3:1 (25:23, 25:19, 21:25, 27:25) score in a semi-final clash played in Eskişehir.
Galatasaray started the match with the following lineup: Arslan Ekşi, Thomas Jaeschke, Ahmet Tümer, Stephen Maar, Jean Patry, Doğukan Ulu, as well as liberos Hasan Yeşilbudak and Caner Ergül. The Bulgarian international did not manage to participate in this match.
The match went through various stages, but the Galatasaray team showed stronger nerves in crucial moments. In the first set, the team imposed its rhythm and clinched a contested 25:23. In the second, their dominance was even more palpable – 25:19. Fenerbahçe got back into the match after a 25:21 win in the third set, but in the fourth part, Galatasaray showed character. After a dramatic finish, the team closed the match with 27:25 and deservedly qualified for the final.
Jean Patry was the top scorer with 20 points, while Stephen Maar added 19. Thomas Jaeschke also played a key role with 16 points, forming Galatasaray's strong offensive trio.
In the final, Galatasaray will face Ziraat Bankkart. The final is scheduled for April 7 at 19:00 in the "ESTÜ Spor Salonu" hall in Eskişehir.

photo:galatasaray.org