Mohamed Salah delivered a standout performance for Trabzonspor, netting a hat-trick and providing one assist in a commanding 4-0 victory over defending champions Galatasaray on Saturday. The win marks the first defeat of the season for the Istanbul-based side in the Turkish Super Lig.
Salah set the tone early, opening the scoring in the fourth minute with a composed finish after a strong run from midfield. He later contributed to Trabzonspor’s second goal in the 39th minute, laying off the ball to Noah Saviolo, who tapped in from inside the penalty area.
The Egyptian forward doubled his personal tally just five minutes before halftime, finishing clinically from a Franculino Dju cross in the 44th minute to give Trabzonspor a 3-0 lead at the break. Salah completed his hat-trick in the 80th minute, sprinting past the defensive line over more than half the pitch before slotting home with his trademark side-foot finish.
With seven goals and two assists in six league appearances, Salah continues to make an immediate impact since joining the club last month. His individual brilliance proved too much for Galatasaray, who saw their coach Okan Buruk ordered to the stands in the 71st minute. Lesley Ugochukwu was subsequently sent off in the 87th minute.
Trabzonspor welcomed German manager Thomas Reis this week following Fatih Tekke’s departure earlier in the month. Despite the heavy loss, Galatasaray remains at the top of the table, while Trabzonspor sits fifth with 10 points from six matches, trailing the leaders by three points.
Galatasaray fans must be furious right now. Losing 4-0 to a new signing is brutal.
Wait, Trabzonspor is only fifth? That league is surprisingly chaotic this season.
I can’t believe Salah is already a hat-trick hero in Turkey! What a start to his career there.