MD15: Nomades de Paris 1 - 2 FC Istanbul

Written by: Wolfgang Fötze

Nomades de Paris and Istanbul came into this crucial relegation 6 pointer with identical struggles, enduring four consecutive losses each and both teams suffering relegation fears.

The opening minutes were cagey, with Paris attempting to assert their control through possession. However, neither side managed to carve out any opportunities in the first 30 minutes. It was Istanbul's new striker, Kağan Altun, who broke the deadlock. Altun seized the chance after playing a through ball to Leonardo de Deus Santos which sent Deus Santos 1 v 1 against the keeper. His shot was parried by Humphree Klock and fell back to Altun, allowing him to mark his second goal in three games and providing Istanbul with a crucial lead.

The second half witnessed a similar pattern, with both teams struggling to unlock their attacking potential. However, Nomades de Paris found a lifeline when Kevy Wevy made a darting run through the middle dribbling past Istanbul defenders and delivering a pass to Aren Taremi, who struck a powerful left footed strike to tie the game, giving hope to the Parisians.

The joy for Paris was short-lived as Istanbul produced a lightning quick response from the kickoff. A long ball launched by Danny Optic was met with an attempted clearance by the Paris defence. However, Altun, intercepted the clearance and netted his second goal of the match, reestablishing Istanbul's lead and completing his brace.

Istanbul managed to hold on to their one goal lead until the final whistle, securing a massive victory in their relegation fight.