Galatasaray - Dinamo - 2009

Frank Rijkaard's Galatasaray kept domestic issues at bay with a crushing 4-1 win over Dinamo Bucharest in Istanbul to extend their lead at the top of Europa League Group F. Rijkaard's men face a potentially decisive Super Lig clash with city rivals Fenerbahce this weekend and warmed up for it in style by comfortably seeing off their Romanian opponents. Former Blackburn loan striker Shabani Nonda scored twice with two fellow former Premier League stars, Harry Kewell and Elano, also getting on the scoresheet before Ousmane N'Doye grabbed a late consolation. Servet Cetin and Ayhan Akman both had early chances as the home side sought to extend their unbeaten run in Europe this season to nine games, while Gabriel Torje fired the visitors' first chance over the bar. Kewell fired Galatasaray's deserved opener in the 32nd minute and Nonda almost increased the lead shortly afterwards when his right-foot volley was saved by Dinamo keeper Emilian Dolha. Dinamo came close to equalising on 40 minutes when Adrian Cristea's shot was parried by Leo Franco in the home goal, but two minutes later the visitors were made to pay when Nonda made it two. Nonda finished off a right-wing cross by Abdulkader Keita to make it 2-0. He had a chance to snatch another before the break when he headed a Sabri Sarioglu cross over the bar from 12 yards. The Congo striker did not have to wait long after the break for his second. He fired home from the left side of the six-yard box in the 47th minute from another cross by Keita. Galatasaray extended their lead from the penalty spot in the 58th minute after Zie Diabate fouled Aydin Yilmaz in the box. Elano stepped up to fire the spot-kick home and make it 4-0. N'Doye converted a Cristea corner in the 62nd minute but it will have come as little consolation for Dinamo interim boss Ion Marin, who took charge for the third time following the dismissal of Dario Bonetti. Gabriel Tamas shot over the bar for the visitors while Nonda missed the chance to claim a hat-trick when his right-foot shot from 12 yards sailed wide with less than two minutes left on the clock.

Ion Marin, coach of Dinamo: "The score is much too severe. At this level, if the team doesn't score when has good opportunities, this is happening, losses at this difference. We had a huge opportunity at 0-0 and another one at 0-2, while Galatasaray scored all what had in front of the post. I don't think the atmosphere from the stadium affected my players. I think that players who focus at maximum don't hear the stands, but I must admit that the atmosphere was great".