Galatasaray triumphs 3-1 over PAOK in UEFA Europa League opener

Galatasaray opened their UEFA Europa League campaign with a 3-1 victory over Greek Super League leader PAOK at RAMS Park, Istanbul.

Spanish referee Alejandro Jose Hernandez officiated the match, in which Galatasaray secured the win through an own goal by Abdul Baba in the 48th minute, followed by strikes from Yunus Akgun in the 75th.

ISTANBUL, TURKIYE - SEPTEMBER 25: Fans of PAOK show their support during the UEFA Europa League first-week match between Galatasaray and PAOK at RAMS Park in Istanbul, Turkiye on September 25, 2024. ( İsa Terli - Anadolu Agency )

ISTANBUL, TURKIYE - SEPTEMBER 25: Fans of Galatasaray show their support during the UEFA Europa League first-week match between Galatasaray and PAOK at RAMS Park in Istanbul, Turkiye on September 25, 2024. ( İsa Terli - Anadolu Agency )

ISTANBUL, TURKIYE - SEPTEMBER 25: Yunus Akgun (11) of Galatasaray in action against Jonny Otto (R) of PAOK during the UEFA Europa League first-week match between Galatasaray and PAOK at RAMS Park in Istanbul, Turkiye on September 25, 2024. ( İsa Terli - Anadolu Agency )

Galatasaray's Icardi returns with a goal

Mauro Icardi got the 3rd goal deep into stoppage time at 90+5 minutes. Icardi's goal marked his return from injury.

Meanwhile, PAOK's lone goal came from Giannis Konstantelias in the 67th minute.

Galatasaray will travel to face Latvian side Rigas on October 3 in their next Europa League fixture.