Galatasaray 1-1 St Johnstone: Visitors earn 'phenomenal result' in Turkey, says Davidson

Last update on. From the section Europa LeagueManager Callum Davidson says St Johnstone's away to Galatasaray "phenomenal" result gives Perth hope for the Europa League.After Sacha Boey's quick equalizer cancelled Jason Kerr's penalty, Davidson's men lost a one-goal advantage against their 10-man hostsThe away team held firm to secure a memorable draw in Turkey.Davidson stated, "I'm thrilled to come to Istanbul to get a result against a great team like Galatasaray."We know that it's only the first game. Galatasaray will be coming at us. They have many talented footballers but we need to make ourselves ready and give ourselves the chance to win.Galatasaray's Turk Telekom Arena was closed for renovations, but St Johnstone were still welcomed by the Basaksehir Fatih Terim Stadium with a blaze of colour and sound.Callum Davidson's men did not show intimidation. Double cup final goalscorer Shaun Rooney was stopped after a rampaging run to the right.Galatasaray's European trip came to an abrupt halt against Scottish opposition last season in the qualifying stage - Rangers lost 2-1.This is a club that has played Champions League group stage football in six of its last nine seasons. It showed, as the tie could have been over in 10 minutes.Aytac Kara saw Mostafa Mohammed cross-break, and he smashed over from close range. Kara delivered again from the right and the formidable Kerem Akturkoglu rattled at the base of the left hand post.Zander Clark was there to stop a Marcao header moments later. It felt like it was a matter of when and not if the hosts would score.The Perth side had a chance, however, when Rooney's long throw was broken to Murray Davidson. His well-struck half volley, however, was smothered and beaten by Muslera.However, the home side continued to come with Akturkoglu, a dangerous forward, twice making it to the bye line, but watching his two tempting crosses slip past his fellow forwards.The Perth club kept throwing punches. Ali McCann's fantastic run resulted in David Wotherspoon passing to him. He made a lot of trouble but was able to strike low into Muslera's arms.The home team maintained pressure and got joy down St Johnstone's back three sides. They started the second half on top as Berkan Kutlu couldn't divert a Boey cross onto the target.At 0-0, the visitors had always had a chance. That was exactly what happened when Kane dispossessed Muslera following a lengthy back pass. The goalkeeper pulled back Muslera, leaving the referee with no choice but to draw the red card and point to the spot.Kerr was forced to wait to take the penalty, but he didn't show any nerves and smashed it low to Berk Balaban's right. The captain was ice cold.St Johnstone's advantage, however, was short-lived. Reece Devine, in his second competitive appearance, failed to pass to right-back Boey. Boey stepped up and hit a fantastic finish into the far corner.Davidson's men played with a man more, but they were happy to sit back and hit on the break. They almost had a second, when Stevie May took the ball from Balaban, but his attempt from a tight angle was blocked at the line.Galatasaray's 10 men continued to put pressure on but St Johnstone had a back three, and a goalkeeper that were now legendary.First, Jamie McCart made a block that denied a Mbaye diagne volley. Then Clark made a spectacular save from the corner to thwart a Christian Luyindama header.The result will be remembered for its uniqueness on paper and reflection. However, similar levels of progress will be necessary - and it is impossible to bet against this side.The prize for the winners is a spot in the Europa League play off round, where Danish side Randers awaits with a place in the group phase.Galatasaray's defeat would send the Perth club to the last stage of qualification for the Europa Conference League against Vojvodina and LASK of Austria. The latter won 1-0 in Serbia in its first leg.Ali McCann is the Man of MatchMcCann (centre), is difficult to imagine being at St Johnstone after this performance. McCann, a 21-year-old midfielder, was brave and led his team through some difficult moments.What have we learned?The St Johnstone team that won the double cup is known for defying all odds. They did it again in Turkey.They might consider the first leg a missed chance depending on how next week's return fixture goes.Although it is difficult to complain about a draw, a man advantage of over 30 minutes might have allowed for more goals for the away team.Davidson's stars have been the subject of speculation all summer. It is hard to imagine a scenario in which he doesn't lose at least one of them by the close of the window.Their names are already inscribed into St Johnstone folklore. But victory next week will raise their names to an untouchable height.They said what?Callum Davidson, manager of St Johnstone: "Galatasaray held the majority of possession and created opportunities, but we also had a few.""The penalty and sending-off was a turning point. It gives us hope for home with something to play.What's next?Motherwell will welcome St Johnstone on Sunday (15:00 BST), in their first home league match. Galatasaray's domestic season starts on August 16th. Therefore, their next match will be at McDiarmid park next Thursday (19:00).