Some rivalries around the world take soccer to the extreme. In La Liga, it’s Real Madrid versus Barcelona, and in the Bundesliga, it’s Bayern Munich versus Borussia Dortmund. While the Premier League has too many to name, the Saudi Pro League has Al-Ittihad versus Al-Hilal. And in the Turkish Super Lig, it’s Galatasaray versus Fenerbahce. As the iconic rivalry is set to take center stage in the Turkish Super Cup finals on December 29, the most successful team in Turkey found an unlikely supporter in Cristiano Ronaldo.

The last time Cristiano Ronaldo played against Galatasaray was in the 2013/14 Champions League Group Stage, under the lights of Rams Park. In front of a jam-packed stadium of Galatasaray supporters, the then-Real Madrid left wing had a night to remember, scoring a hattrick. But as much as he would’ve enjoyed the 6-1 away win, it wasn’t what stuck with him the most.

Cristiano Ronaldo once gave Galatasaray his stamp of approval

In the build-up to the Turkish Super Cup Finals, an old video of Ronaldo expressing his thoughts about the club and its fans resurfaced. Presumably having been asked about the feeling of playing at Rams Park, Ronaldo replied, “Yes, it’s nice. It’s always nice to play there. I remember when we played against Galatasaray. The passion, the stadium, they are beautiful.”

In that 6-1 win all those years ago, despite Galatasaray being down and out, its fans didn’t let the energy around the stadium die. As much as they knew their team reached a point of no return after going 5-0 down, they still celebrated that one goal like they would any other. That passion and that energy is what soccer players live for, and Ronaldo felt that in both his away matches against the Turkish side.

As Galatasaray fans received a stamp of approval from one of soccer’s all-time greats, the team would sure hope the energy is at an all-time high when it’s time to kick-off in Riyadh come Friday night. Especially considering how much is at stake.

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A high-octane clash awaits Galatasaray

The Turkish rivals will face off for the second time in five days following their goalless draw in the Super Lig on Sunday. When it comes to the Super Lig standings, they’ve been neck-to-neck this season, with 44 points from 17 games. Both sides have great attacking prowess, which will test the opposition’s defense throughout the contest. But as Galatasaray aims to get the better of the Turkish Cup holders, they might have a slight disadvantage.

Two of its key players—defender Davinson Sanchez and midfielder Sergio Oliviera—are out with injuries. Even so, there’s no doubt the Lions will head into the match with only one goal in mind: lifting the Turkish Super Cup trophy. What else is at stake? A $2.2 million cheque for the winners, with the runners-up receiving $1.5 million.

Who do you think will come out on top in the encounter between the two sides? Let us know in the comments below!

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