Soccer-Galatasaray close in on title with 5-3 win at Sivas

ISTANBUL, May 4 (Reuters) - Galatasaray took a big step towards their 17th Turkish title on Sunday, beating third-placed Sivasspor 5-3, while Istanbul rivals Fenerbahce stayed in the race with a 3-2 win against Genclerbirligi. With one game remaining, the victory left Galatasaray on 76 points, ahead of Fenerbahce on 73 points, while Sivasspor remained on 70 points. Reigning champions Fenerbahce will need to win their final game away at Trabzonspor and hope Galatasaray lose their game at home to Genclerbirligi Oftas next week to have a chance of retaining the title.

The match started badly for Galatasaray when Song conceded an own goal, but they ended the first half up 2-1 with a brace from Arda Turan. Sivasspor equalised early in the second half only for Ayhan Akman to make it 3-2 to Galatasaray soon after.

Sivasspor brought the game level at 3-3 before Arda completed his hat-trick in the 76th minute. Hakan Sukur sealed the victory with a fifth goal in the 88th minute. (Reporting by Daren Butler; editing by Miles Evans)