Twenty-two minutes was all it took
68th minute. Rafael Leao steps onto the pitch at Basaksehir.
He didnt need long.
The Portuguese winger slips a left-foot pass to Jakobs in the move that leads to Lucas Torreira’s second goal. A few minutes later, he gets Bozok sent off.
Galatasaray win 3-2. First outing, direct influence on the scoreline and the balance of the game. Hard to ask for a more effective debut.
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Ten points from four games
The Istanbul club were already top of the league before this trip. Ten points from a possible 12 after four rounds.
Leao is not arriving at a side that needs rescuing. That matters for a player who spent his final months at Milan being told he had to carry the attack on his own.
Here, he comes off the bench. He makes an impact. He leaves his mark. For now.
Sporting in his sights
The next challenge comes quickly. His first European match in his new colours, in the Champions League, against Sporting CP.
His old club.
Some reunions are forced on you. This one lands at exactly the moment Leao needs to prove the move was not a wrong turn in disguise.
Milan is behind him. What comes next is the question.
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