Fenerbahce – Galatasaray is an exceptionally prestigious derby.

The last five times that the "internal continental derby" (as it is called after Fenerbahce comes from the Asian part of Istanbul and Galatasaray from the European side) has been played has been a draw. Otherwise, during the 2000s, it usually ended with home victories, especially when Fenerbahce played at home.

Fenerbahce took the lead

But that was not the case tonight. Then Galatasaray (with Jimmy Durmaz on the bench) - at Fenebahce's home arena Ulker Stadium - won by 3-1 in a hot-faced match that offered no less than three expulsions and eleven yellow cards. This despite Max Kruse giving Fenerbahce the lead on penalty.

"This is the happiest day of my life," says Brazilian defender Marcao, according to Turkish newspaper Hürriyet.

"Long time no see"

Happy was also goalkeeper Fernando Muslera.

- This was a very significant victory. It was a long time ago, he said, and said he saw victory as fair:

- We dominated the match from start to finish.

Chairs were thrown in

It was not only on the pitch that there were upset feelings. After the final signal, some chairs from the stands were thrown onto the pitch, and the players got things thrown at them as they celebrated Falcao's penalty goal. In addition, coach Ersun Yanal heard the crowd shouting demands on his departure. When Fenerbahce's bus left the arena, it was attacked with stones from upset supporters.

Fenerbache is currently only in seventh place in the Turkish league. The last they did not finish top six in the league was 1987-88, when they finished in eighth place.