The key facts

  • Batrakov scored in the 12th and 15th minutes of the Galatasaray — Stuttgart match (2:0)
  • The transfer from Lokomotiv was €25 million plus bonuses, with a contract until June 30, 2031
  • Vladimir Ponomarev called the brace 'a magnificent start' in Turkey

A brace in three minutes

On November 3, Galatasaray beat Stuttgart 2:0 in a Champions League match. Both goals were scored by midfielder Alexey Batrakov, who was in the starting lineup: the goals came three minutes apart — in the 12th and 15th minutes. He was substituted in the 77th minute, and later was named man of the match, as reported by Gazeta.Ru.

Praise from a former Army man

Former CSKA Moscow and USSR national team defender Vladimir Ponomarev, in an interview with Gazeta.Ru, congratulated Batrakov on his start in Turkey. According to him, Stuttgart is not Barcelona, but goals in the Champions League are 'a huge thing in any case', especially for a midfielder who was only just signed. He added that such successes motivate Russian players.

The transfer and the contract

Batrakov moved from Moscow's Lokomotiv to Galatasaray in August 2026. The transfer fee was €25 million plus bonuses, and the agreement with the Turkish club runs until June 30, 2031. Thus, the brace against Stuttgart became a notable result within the first months after the club's expensive signing.