Batrakov brace ends Stuttgart’s unbeaten Champions League run in Istanbul

​A first-half Aleksei Batrakov brace proved decisive as Galatasaray ended VfB Stuttgart’s unbeaten start to this season’s UEFA Champions League with a 2-0 victory in Istanbul, according to Bundesliga.com.​

Jamie Leweling nearly gave the visitors an early lead when his eighth-minute effort struck the inside of both posts before bouncing clear. Galatasaray quickly capitalized on that reprieve.

Batrakov opened the scoring in the 12th minute after pouncing on a loose clearance, then doubled the advantage three minutes later by driving into the penalty box and finishing cleanly. ​

Stuttgart mounted a strong second-half response, forcing several fine saves from home goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır.

In the 75th minute, Chris Führich thought he had pulled a goal back when he turned in a rebound, but the effort was ruled out following a VAR review for offside in the build-up. Stuttgart next visit Inter Milan on November 25.