RAMS Park witnessed a historic evening on February 4, 2026, as Galatasaray secured a convincing 3-1 victory over İstanbulspor in their third group stage match of the Ziraat Türkiye Kupası. The night belonged to Argentine forward Mauro Icardi, whose early strike not only set the tone for the match but also cemented his place in the club's illustrious history as the all-time leading foreign goalscorer.
With the club juggling commitments across multiple competitions, including the UEFA Champions League and Süper Lig, manager Okan Buruk faced the challenge of managing player fatigue while maintaining momentum. The absence of key figures Leroy Sané and Arda Ünyay through injury—Sané dealing with a torn ligament and ankle bleeding, Ünyay nursing a hamstring strain—provided an opportunity for squad rotation and fringe players to stake their claim. This strategic approach highlighted the importance of squad depth in modern football, where fixture congestion can make or break a season.
The home supporters barely had time to settle into their seats before the first moment of magic arrived. In the fifth minute, young winger Ahmed Kutucu made a darting run down the left flank before cutting back a precise pass to Icardi. The Argentine made no mistake, rifling the ball home from a tight angle with characteristic composure. This wasn't merely an opening goal; it was Icardi's 73rd goal in his 118th appearance for the club, surpassing the legendary Gheorghe Hagi's record for most goals by an overseas player. The stadium erupted as Icardi's name echoed around RAMS Park, a fitting tribute to his goalscoring prowess.
Galatasaray's intentions were clear from the outset: secure qualification to the knockout stages with a game to spare. The team continued to press forward with purpose, and their dominance paid dividends in the 24th minute. Recent signing Asprilla delivered an inviting cross from the right wing that caused panic in the İstanbulspor defense. Demir Mermerci's attempted clearance fell only as far as Lucas Torreira on the edge of the penalty area, and the Uruguayan midfielder dispatched a low, driven shot that flew past goalkeeper İsa Doğan, doubling the hosts' advantage.
However, İstanbulspor demonstrated they weren't merely participants. Despite their struggles in the competition—having earned just a single point from their first two matches—they showed resilience and capitalized on a rare defensive lapse from Galatasaray. In the 26th minute, Mario Lemina's misplaced pass in midfield was intercepted by Mamadou, who raced through on goal, rounded goalkeeper Günay Güvenç, and calmly slotted home to reduce the deficit to 2-1.
The visitors' joy was short-lived. Galatasaray responded with the ruthlessness of champions, restoring their two-goal cushion just seven minutes later. İlkay Gündoğan, enjoying a productive evening in midfield, threaded a perfectly weighted pass to Kutucu. The young forward cut inside onto his favored right foot and unleashed a powerful strike from the edge of the box that left Doğan with no chance, making the score 3-1.
The second half saw Buruk's side control proceedings with maturity, managing the game intelligently to preserve their lead while creating occasional chances to extend it. İstanbulspor, to their credit, continued to battle but lacked the quality to trouble Galatasaray's organized defense further. The Lions' backline, marshaled by experienced defenders, ensured there would be no comeback, while the midfield trio of Gündoğan, Torreira, and Lemina dictated the tempo.
This victory held multiple layers of significance for the Lions. Beyond securing their place in the next round, the match showcased the depth and versatility of Buruk's squad. Players like Kutucu and Asprilla seized their opportunities, while established stars such as Gündoğan and Torreira demonstrated their class. The ability to rotate heavily yet maintain performance levels bodes well for the challenging weeks ahead, with crucial fixtures in both domestic and European competitions looming.
For Icardi, the night represented personal glory intertwined with collective success. Since joining Galatasaray, the Argentine has consistently delivered when it matters most, and surpassing a figure of Hagi's stature speaks volumes about his impact. The record is a testament not only to his finishing ability but also to his adaptation to Turkish football and connection with the fanbase. His celebration, pointing to the name on his shirt, showed his bond with the club.
The Turkish Cup has always held special significance for Galatasaray, representing an opportunity to add silverware while developing squad depth. This performance demonstrated that Buruk has built a team capable of competing on multiple fronts without compromising quality. The seamless integration of rotated players suggests a healthy squad dynamic where competition for places drives standards higher.
As the final whistle blew, the RAMS Park faithful departed knowing they had witnessed something special—a record-breaking performance that will be remembered for years to come, delivered by a player who continues to write his own chapter in Galatasaray's rich history. The victory also served as a reminder that this Galatasaray side possesses the quality, depth, and mental fortitude to compete on multiple fronts this season.
Looking ahead, the challenge for Buruk will be maintaining this balance between rotation and consistency. With the business end of the season approaching, having a player of Icardi's caliber in such scintillating form provides a significant advantage. The record-breaking striker has shown he can deliver in cup competitions as effectively as in league play, making him an invaluable asset in the pursuit of trophies.