A Superior Galatasaray Claims the Nordic League Against a Fighting Tenerife Echeyde

The Turkish team dominated the match and overwhelmed the Tenerife defense, which couldn’t stop the Ottomans. The islanders secured the runner-up position in a thrilling home final with 37 goals.

Tenerife Echeyde had the opportunity to win their second Nordic League title. After a grueling semifinal, the team from Tenerife was just one step away from defending their continental crown, adding a second trophy to their cabinet, and capping off a great season. However, standing in their way was a formidable opponent: Galatasaray. The Turkish side, dominant throughout the competition, posed a significant challenge. Nonetheless, the Acidalio Lorenzo pool was buzzing. The stands were packed, the crowd was enthusiastic, and the match began with a statement of intent from the islanders, who scored quickly with the first left-handed shot of the afternoon by Ashworth Molthen. It took just 17 seconds for the team from Santa Cruz to take the lead, but the Istanbul side responded with a penalty conceded by goalkeeper René Girasole, who guarded the Canarian goal throughout the match. Caner converted, and Galatasaray began to flex their muscles, with a power-play shot by Naipoglu. This gave the Turks their first lead, but Echeyde didn’t back down, responding with a brilliant center-forward goal by Diego Mercado (2-2). The match was frenetic, with goals from both sides: Krstic and Maksimovic for the Ottomans, and Ashworth Molthen for the islanders (4-3). From there, Galatasaray went on a 2-0 run, with long-range shots from Colak and Maksimovic, continuing to exploit a fragile Santa Cruz defense (6-3). This was the largest lead of the match, until Luis Araya narrowed the gap with a precise shot (6-4). Echeyde fought back, but Galatasaray maintained their superiority, ending the first quarter at 7-4, thanks to a counterattack goal by Destici. The players coached by Albert Español conceded too many goals; despite their relentless efforts, they couldn’t halt the Turkish team’s effectiveness.

The start of the second period was promising. Another powerful left-handed shot to the top corner by Ashworth Molthen, who would later be named the best player of the Nordic League, made it 7-5. The team from Santa Cruz launched into the attack, narrowing the score with the tournament’s top scorer, Luis Araya, responding to Arda Alpman (8-6). Then, Echeyde began to struggle against the in-form opposing goalkeeper, Ekin Arkaplan (11 saves), and Galatasaray took advantage to extend their lead to 9-6 with a goal by Krstic. The Ottoman team regained their advantage, but a three-minute scoring drought ensued. This dry spell was broken by Molthen with yet another left-handed shot (9-7). The islanders continued to fight from behind, but went into halftime after two tough blows (a penalty by Caner and a goal by Destici).

The third quarter saw Galatasaray further extend their lead. Despite Echeyde’s efforts, the Turkish team maintained their dominance, capitalizing on their opportunities and showcasing their experience. The final quarter was a formality, with Galatasaray controlling the tempo and securing their victory. The match ended with a score that reflected the Turkish team’s superiority, but also highlighted the fighting spirit and determination of the Tenerife Echeyde players, who never gave up and earned a well-deserved runner-up position in front of their home crowd.