Batrakov's double lets Galatasaray dominate the group in Istanbul

In the evening light of the Türk Telekom Stadium, Aleksei Batrakov and Galatasaray Istanbul celebrated a convincing victory over VfB Stuttgart on 3 November 2026 in the Champions League group stage, with Batrakov scoring in the 12th and 15th minutes – a moment documented by Ahmad Mora.

Galatasaray Istanbul won the match 2-0. Batrakov scored both goals in the 12th and 15th minutes. VfB Stuttgart, despite a stronger performance in the first half, could not get back into the game. Before the fourth matchday, Stuttgart had seven points from three unbeaten games, while Galatasaray had only three points and a single win against Lille (4-2).

Early chances and Batrakov's double goal

In the second minute, Atakan Karazor received a yellow card after a hard duel with Mario Lemina. Jamie Leweling missed a chance in the eighth minute when his shot, following a cross from Maximilian Mittelstädt, sprang over the goal from both posts. Batrakov capitalised in the twelfth minute from a cross by Roland Sallai and a failed clearance by Jeff Chabot to score the first goal. Three minutes later he received a through ball from Davinson Sánchez and pushed it to 2-0.

Karazor had to make way in the eighteenth minute due to an injury for the 19‑year‑old Yanik Spalt, who made his Champions League debut. Leweling let a direct attempt slip over the goal in the twenty‑first minute after a cross from Chris Führich. Just before halftime, Chris Führich hit the post in the 42nd minute, before the 2-0 for Galatasaray sealed the game.

Second half, VAR decision and aftermath

In the second half Stuttgart had more possession, but could not convert any chance. Victor Osimhen missed a shot in the fifty‑sixth minute against VfB goalkeeper Fabian Bredlow. Führich (57') and Bilal El Khannouss (58') also failed against Galatasaray goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır and the goal. Coach Okan Buruk introduced Wilfried Singo and Rafael Leão in the sixty‑eighth minute, to which Sebastian Hoeneß responded with three substitutions in the seventy‑fifth minute.

Shortly after, a supposed follow‑up goal by Führich was ruled out by VAR due to an offside position by Deniz Undav. In the eighty‑sixth minute substitute Dženan Pejčinović failed in a one‑on‑one against Çakır. Three minutes later Mittelstädt blocked a clear chance for Leroy Sané with a tackle. The 2-0 result remained until the final whistle.

The 21‑year‑old Russian midfielder Aleksei Batrakov was described in the match reports as 21‑year‑old. The win lifted Galatasaray to six points and strengthened their options for the next group stage. For VfB Stuttgart it was the first defeat in the tournament after seven points from the first three games.

Victor Osimhen tried to head the ball after a corner delivery but missed and protested over an alleged handball. In Istanbul a moment of silence was observed for the late Jesús de Miguel by the club Tenerife.

Just before halftime there was a clash between Yilmaz and Chris Führich near the bench, which resulted in several yellow cards. Uğurcan Çakır saved a shot from Deniz Undav, which came from the front area, thus preventing a follow‑up goal. Later Çakır saved another cross attempt from Chris Führich.

Undav hit the post, and a goal scored by Führich was ruled out for offside. Okan Buruk brought Rafael Leão into the game, but Galatasaray retained control thanks to further saves by Çakır, the last in a duel with Dženan Pejčinović five minutes from the end. Another from Khalil Hamra / Ap‑LaPresse shows Batrakov celebrating his second goal.