Alejandro Garnacho got Manchester United off to a dream start in their critical Champions League clash against Galatasaray – only to have missiles hurled in his direction as he celebrated
Alejandro Garnacho celebrates giving Manchester United the lead against Galatasaray (Image: TNT Sports)
Alejandro Garnacho was pelted with missiles as he celebrated giving Manchester United the lead against Galatasaray.
After the Champions League clash was given the go-ahead despite a deluge of rain in Istanbul, Erik ten Hag’s side made a dream start to the must-win contest. Amid an incredibly hostile atmosphere, Garnacho – fresh from his stunning overhead kick against Everton on Sunday – fired home in the 11th minute.
Garnacho bravely performed the ‘calma calma’ celebration as he and his team-mates ran over to the corner. That wound up the passionate home fans, some of whom responded by chucking missiles in their direction. Perhaps realising they had overdone their celebrations, the United players then appeared to genuinely appeal for calm.
Spanish referee José María Sánchez then spoke to both captains, perhaps pleading for both sides to keep their emotions in check. Some fans felt Garnacho was pushing his luck with his celebration amid such a fervent atmosphere.
“Bro has the guts to silence Rams Park,” said one. Another spotted: “Garnacho scores and does the Cristiano Ronaldo ‘Calma, Calma’ celebration!”
Manchester United players react after missiles are thrown in their direction as they celebrate Alejandro Garnacho’s early goal (Image: TNT Sports)
A third said: “Garnacho might be one of the best talents in the world, but at heart he’s just like us spamming iconic Ronaldo celebrations after scoring against our mates at the park.”
The visitors survived a couple of scares soon after that goal before taking a 2-0 lead on 18 minutes thanks to a stunning long-range strike from Bruno Fernandes.
A thrilling first half continued as Hakim Ziyech pulled a goal back on 29 minutes. Mauro Icardi then found the net just before the break, only for United to keep their lead thanks to a tight offside call.
