The 2006-07 campaign saw Galatasaray, under the guidance of manager Eric Gerets, secure a crucial 3rd-place finish in the Süper Lig, which earned Cimbom a spot in the UEFA Cup. Spearheading the attack was the prolific forward Ümit Karan, whose 18 league goals (22 overall) included his 100th Süper Lig strike, marking a personal milestone in a season where he signed a contract extension. The team, featuring veteran captain Hakan Şükür and emerging talent Arda Turan, also made an appearance in the UEFA Champions League Group Stage, making it a year built on the individual brilliance of Karan and the club's consistent push for European football.