Malmö remain in the hunt for a spot in the UEFA Europa League knockout stages, thanks to a dramatic stoppage-time equalizer that secured a 2-2 draw against Galatasaray at Eleda Stadion.
The result ended a streak of five consecutive home defeats in the competition.
Desperate to keep their UEL hopes alive, Malmö started brightly. Early on, Otto Rosengren lofted a ball over the top for Anders Christiansen, who shot over from inside the box, providing an early warning for the visitors.
Galatasaray failed to heed that warning, and the Swedish side capitalized in the 24th minute. A failed clearance from the visitors fell to Jens Stryger, who delivered a pinpoint cross for an unmarked Erik Botheim.
The forward’s header found the back of the net via the far post, breaking Malmö’s five-game home goal drought in UEL matches.
Galatasaray, missing the injured Victor Osimhen, struggled to replicate the form that had seen them lead the pre-matchday charts for shots attempted. But they turned the tide just before halftime.
In the 43rd minute, Kerem Demirbay recovered possession deep on the left flank and set up Elias Jelert, who calmly rolled the ball past Malmö’s 17-year-old goalkeeper, Joakim Persson.
The equalizer marked Galatasaray’s 21st goal in their 23rd competitive game of the season.
The second half began with both sides showing intent, and Yunus Akgun had reason to feel frustrated after his penalty appeal was waved away.
However, Galatasaray maintained their attacking momentum and eventually found their second goal.
A defensive lapse from Malmö allowed Dries Mertens and Yunus Akgun to combine in a slick pass-and-move sequence. Akgun’s resulting shot slipped under the mistimed dive of Persson, putting the Turkish side ahead.
Despite the setback, Malmö coach Henrik Rydström stayed composed, making minimal adjustments initially. However, the hosts struggled to mount sustained pressure, and Galatasaray nearly extended their lead when Michy Batshuayi’s effort was blocked by a Malmö defender.
Batshuayi thought he’d scored moments later in a chaotic scramble, but the offside flag denied him.
Fernando Muslera appeared to have sealed the win for Galatasaray with a remarkable near-post save to deny substitute Taha Ali. Yet, Malmö refused to give in.
In the second minute of added time, a series of defensive errors from Galatasaray allowed Sergio Peña to pounce.
Charging through the stretched defense, Peña unleashed a thunderous shot into the top-right corner off the post, rescuing a crucial point for Malmö in their battle to remain in the UEL.
