Mohamed Salah marks Thomas Reis debut with hat-trick as Trabzonspor defeat Galatasaray

Trabzonspor began Thomas Reis’ tenure in spectacular fashion as Mohamed Salah scored a hat-trick in a 4-0 victory over Galatasaray, handing the Istanbul club their first defeat of the season.

The German coach, appointed on Thursday, enjoyed an impressive home debut at Parc Papara, while Salah became the first Trabzonspor player to score three times against Galatasaray.

Trabzonspor had invested heavily in their squad during the summer, bringing in Salah, Fabinho, Noah Saviolo, Franculino Dju and Rotterdam-based Sidny Lopes Cabral.

However, the club’s preparations had been disrupted after they missed out on qualification for the Europa League. Fatih Tekke subsequently resigned as manager. Trabzonspor initially rejected his decision, but accepted it after negotiations before appointing Reis as his replacement.

The 52-year-old German arrived from Ludogorets and saw his new side take the lead after only four minutes. Galatasaray lost possession inside their own half, allowing Salah to run through on goal before calmly finishing past Ugurcan Cakir.

Trabzonspor doubled their advantage in the 39th minute. Saviolo, a 22-year-old Portuguese forward, converted from a Salah assist to put the hosts in control.

Salah then restored the three-goal cushion just before the interval. Davinson Sanchez misplaced the ball in his own half and Dju collected it before keeping his composure and finding Salah, who struck a powerful finish past Cakir.

Trabzonspor eased their tempo after the break, but Salah continued to search for the third goal that would complete his hat-trick.

It arrived 10 minutes from full-time. Ozan Tufan played a through ball into the path of the 34-year-old Egypt forward, who calmly placed his finish into the far corner.

The result completed a dream opening for Reis and inflicted a heavy loss on the reigning 2021/22 champions.

Galatasaray ended the match with 10 players and without manager Okan Buruk. Buruk was shown two yellow cards within two minutes and was sent off, while Lesley Ugochukwu was also dismissed late in the game.