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Young Boys Edge Galatasaray in Thrilling Champions League Playoff
Ugrinics Penalty Secures First-Leg Advantage
Late Drama in Bern
Young Boys of Bern secured a narrow 3-2 victory over Galatasaray in the first leg of their Champions League playoff round on Wednesday, thanks to a dramatic late penalty from Filip Ugrinics.
The Swiss champions twice came from behind to earn a crucial advantage heading into next week's second leg in Istanbul.
Match Summary
- Galatasaray took an early lead through Bafétimbi Gomis in the 32nd minute.
- Meschack Elia equalized for Young Boys just before halftime.
- Mostafa Mohamed restored Galatasaray's lead in the 62nd minute.
- Cedric Itten leveled the score once more for Young Boys in the 76th minute.
- Ugrinics netted the winning penalty in the 90th minute after a handball in the Galatasaray penalty area
The result gives Young Boys a slim advantage heading into the second leg, which will be played at the Nef Stadium in Istanbul on August 29.
Filip Ugrinics: Man of the Moment
Ugrinics, a 25-year-old Hungarian midfielder, played a pivotal role in Young Boys' victory.
He equalized for his team in the 76th minute with a well-taken header and then stepped up to convert the winning penalty in the dying moments of the match.
His goalscoring contribution was crucial in securing a crucial win for the Swiss side, who will be aiming to reach the Champions League group stage for the first time since 2018.