Mohamed Salah delivered a stunning individual performance to help Trabzonspor secure a resounding 4-0 victory over Super Lig leaders Galatasaray at Papara Park.
The 34-year-old forward opened the scoring in just the fourth minute and then assisted Noah Saviolo shortly after.
Salah found the net again just before half-time, making it 3-0. He completed his hat-trick on the 80th minute, capping off a perfect evening for the team's new manager, Thomas Reis.
After the match, Trabzonspor midfielder Fabinho praised his long-time teammate for his ability to deliver under pressure against fierce rivals.
The Brazilian expressed his delight at sharing the pitch with Salah once more, emphasising the forward's extraordinary consistency. He noted that Salah's hard work instils absolute confidence across the entire team.
Big games require big players. You expect players like him to do something special, and Salah is always there.
He works incredibly hard. We are more dangerous when he's with us. This is his first hat-trick, and I’m incredibly happy for him. I congratulate him.
The second half turned into a nightmare for Galatasaray as their manager, Okan Buruk, was sent to the stands on 72 minutes after a confrontation with officials, leaving the team without leadership on the touchline.
Things worsened for the visitors when midfielder Leslie Ugochukwu received a straight red card following a VAR review for a foul late in the match. This victory lifted Trabzonspor to 10 points, firmly establishing their intent in the championship race.
This historic success will boost the team’s confidence ahead of the international break. With Thomas Reis having recently taken charge, the coaching staff is using this pause to further embed their tactical ideas.
