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This article was automatically translated from the original Turkish version.
The draw for the league phase of the 2025–26 UEFA Champions League was held on 28 August 2025 at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco. Galatasaray, the sole representative of Türkiye, was drawn against eight different opponents. Under the new format, where each team plays eight matches, Galatasaray faced Liverpool, Manchester City, Atlético Madrid, Eintracht Frankfurt, Bodo/Glimt, Ajax, Union Saint-Gilloise, and Monaco. The delegation representing Galatasaray at the draw included President Dursun Özbek and other officials. Following the draw, Özbek stated his belief that the team could achieve meaningful results against such strong opponents.
In the first matchweek of the 2025–26 UEFA Champions League group stage, Eintracht Frankfurt and Galatasaray met at the Frankfurt Stadium in Frankfurt, Germany. The match took place on 18 September 2025, with the home team securing a decisive 5–1 victory. This encounter marked Galatasaray’s first match in the Champions League during the 2025–26 season and represented a disappointing start for the Turkish representative.
Eintracht Frankfurt vs Galatasaray Match (AA)
Before the match, Okan Buruk stated that Galatasaray had assembled a competitive squad capable of challenging in Europe and expressed the team’s ambition to succeed in the Champions League. He emphasized his confidence in the individual quality of the players and confirmed that all squad members would be rotated as needed.
It was also reported that Osimhen, who was not included in the matchday squad, had been tested in the last two training sessions due to lingering injuries but was deemed unfit to play and therefore not risked.
Kaan Ayhan expressed his delight at returning to the Champions League with Galatasaray and emphasized that “we have targets.” He noted the high level of cohesion within the team and confirmed that the new arrivals had adapted seamlessly.
The match was officiated by Italian referee Marco Guida. His assistant referees were Giorgio Peretti and Giuseppe Perrotti. Daniele Chiffi served as the fourth official, while Marco Di Bello was the VAR official.
The match took place in Frankfurt am Main at the Frankfurt Stadium. According to UEFA’s match report, the weather was clear and the pitch and atmospheric conditions were ideal.
Zetterer, Collins, Koch (80' Amenda), Theate, Brown, Chaibi, Larsson (80' Skhiri), Knauff, Can Uzun (72' Bahoya), Doan (80' Batshuayi), Burkardt (72' Wahi).
Uğurcan Çakır, Roland Sallai, Davinson Sánchez, Wilfried Singo, Eren Elmalı (67' Jakobs), Mario Lemina (55' İcardi), Lucas Torreira, Leroy Sané (67' Kutucu), İlkay Gündoğan (67' Sara), Yunus Akgün (78' Kaan), Barış Alper Yılmaz.
Galatasaray started the match strongly. In the 8th minute, a counterattack saw Leroy Sané pass the ball to Yunus Akgün, who dribbled past his marker and scored to give Galatasaray the lead. This goal was Galatasaray’s first in the Champions League during the 2025–26 season.
Shortly after the goal, Galatasaray had another clear chance through Barış Alper Yılmaz, but the opportunity was not converted. In the 22nd minute, Zetterer made two quick saves to deny Yılmaz’s shot. In the 24th minute, Barış Alper Yılmaz connected with a free-kick delivery from İlkay Gündoğan but sent his effort wide from the left side of the penalty area.
In the 30th minute, Galatasaray’s goal narrowly avoided a second goal. A free kick by Chaibi was headed down by Koch, and Burkardt’s attempt to finish was blocked by Eren Elmalı, whose deflection sent the ball toward goal. Elmalı cleared the ball off the line at the last moment.
In the 37th minute, a defensive error by Galatasaray allowed Ritsu Doan to win possession and shoot. The ball struck Davinson Sánchez and went into the net, leveling the score at 1–1.
In stoppage time of the first half, Galatasaray conceded two more goals. In the 45+2 minute, Can Uzun turned inside the penalty spot after a cross from Burkardt and fired the ball against the post and in. Four minutes later, Burkardt headed home from a corner delivered by Chaibi. The first half ended 3–1 in favor of the home team.
Eintracht Frankfurt vs Galatasaray Match (AA)
Galatasaray began the second half with confidence, creating opportunities through İlkay Gündoğan and Yunus Akgün, but failed to capitalize on them.
In the 66th minute, Frankfurt launched a counterattack initiated by Zetterer’s hand-pass. A left-wing cross found Burkardt in the box, whose header struck Davinson Sánchez and went into the net, making the score 4–1.
In the 75th minute, Galatasaray lost possession under pressure from Sara, allowing Elye Wahi to win the ball and play a pass to Ansgar Knauff. Knauff then dribbled past goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır and slotted the ball into an empty net, extending the lead to 5–1.
Eintracht Frankfurt vs Galatasaray Match (AA)
The UEFA Technical Observers’ Group named Jonathan Burkardt of Eintracht Frankfurt as the Player of the Match. Burkardt scored two goals and provided one assist, playing a decisive role in his team’s dominant performance.
This match, in which Galatasaray defeated English representative Liverpool 1-0 at RAMS Park, has been viewed as part of the club’s effort to rebuild its position on the European stage.
Galatasaray vs Liverpool match (AA)
The Galatasaray football team began its preparations for the Liverpool match on 27 September 2025. The first training session at the Kemerburgaz Metin Oktay Facilities started with ball-based warm-up exercises. Players then conducted a 5v2 passing drill in two groups. The aim of this exercise was to enhance both defensive and attacking players’ passing quality and speed of regaining possession in tight spaces. In the second phase of training, the team moved into ball-possession games and concluded with a two-goal match. Under the supervision of head coach Okan Buruk, this session aimed not only to improve the players’ physical condition but also to ensure continuity in the team’s passing game.
On the second day of preparation, Sunday 28 September, the training program began with dynamic warm-ups and continued with an 8v2 passing drill conducted in two groups. These drills tested the players’ ability to make decisions under pressure and execute passes under defensive pressure. The coaching staff also carried out tactical work focused on defensive transitions, second-ball organization, and pressing in the opponent’s half. On the final day of preparation, Monday 29 September, the session concentrated specifically on set pieces, positioning, and corner routines. Players repeatedly practiced assigned roles to reinforce appropriate reactions to match scenarios.
Galatasaray head coach Okan Buruk, in his pre-match remarks, emphasized not only tactical details but also emotional motivation. Buruk stated that the 5-1 defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League must now be left behind. He highlighted that such matches offer players an opportunity to reaffirm themselves, and stressed that Galatasaray needed to reassert its identity on the pitch through this encounter.
Okan Buruk noted that the match would be won not only by the starting eleven but also by the substitutes who entered the game, drawing attention to the decisive role of physical endurance in high-tempo contests. He explained that the team had developed specific measures to counter Liverpool’s speed in transitions, particularly instructing the defensive line to adapt to this threat. Buruk emphasized that Galatasaray must play without fear and aim to reflect both team unity and fan support on the pitch.
Okan Buruk (AA)
Galatasaray midfielder Mario Lemina stated in his pre-match comments that the team had prepared for this match with high motivation. Lemina acknowledged Liverpool as one of the most challenging opponents in the world but affirmed that the team would take to the pitch with the sole aim of winning. He emphasized that Galatasaray is composed of quality players and that in such matches, team chemistry matters more than individual performances.
Mario Lemina (AA)
Prior to the match, Galatasaray Club organized an official friendship dinner for Liverpool officials on Galatasaray Island. Attending the event were Galatasaray President Dursun Aydın Özbek, Liverpool CEO Billy Hogan, and various executives from both clubs. A shared commitment to further develop the relationship between the two clubs was expressed, and club presidents exchanged mutual gestures. Galatasaray Island was presented to the visitors, and gifts were exchanged between the teams.
The match between Galatasaray and Liverpool took place on Tuesday, 30 September 2025, at 22:00 at RAMS Park. It was officiated by Clément Turpin of the French Football Federation, with assistants Nicolas Danos and Benjamin Pages. The fourth official was Jérémy Stinat, and the VAR official was Jérôme Brisard.
Arne Slot and Okan Buruk (AA)
Uğurcan Çakır, Singo, Sanchez, Abdülkerim Bardakcı, Jakobs, Lemina, Torreira, İlkay Gündoğan, Yunus Akgün, Barış Alper Yılmaz, Victor Osimhen.
Galatasaray starting XI (AA)
Liverpool
Alisson, Szoboszlai, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez, Gravenberch, Jones, Frimpong, Wirtz, Gakpo and Ekitike.
Liverpool starting XI (AA)
The match began at 22:00 with a whistle from Clément Turpin, and both teams displayed balanced play from the opening minutes. Galatasaray, playing at home, sought to dominate possession, while Liverpool aimed to exploit counterattacks behind Galatasaray’s defensive line. The first serious threat came from Galatasaray in the 3rd minute. Yunus Akgün received a long pass from defense and played the ball into the central area to Barış Alper Yılmaz, who had drifted behind the defense. Barış Alper struck a powerful shot from the left diagonal of the penalty area, but Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson managed to push the ball onto the post. This opportunity highlighted Galatasaray’s eagerness to start the match strongly.
Liverpool created their first attack in the 8th minute. From a left-wing cross into the penalty area, Ekitike rose to head the ball, but it sailed over the crossbar. This was Liverpool’s first organized attempt to exploit Ekitike’s aerial threat. In the 14th minute, Liverpool had a clear goal-scoring opportunity. After a through pass from Gakpo, Ekitike found himself one-on-one with goalkeeper Uğurcan and attempted to slot the ball past him, but Uğurcan made a last-ditch intervention. The rebound fell to Gakpo near the penalty spot, whose shot was cleared off the goal line by Galatasaray defender Jakobs. This defensive action was one of the most critical of the first half.
Immediately after this chance, in the 16th minute, Galatasaray took the lead through a left-wing attack. Barış Alper Yılmaz received a pass from Torreira, cut inside past Szoboszlai, and was brought down by the defender’s challenge as he entered the penalty area. French referee Clément Turpin pointed to the penalty spot. Victor Osimhen stepped up and converted the penalty, sending the ball into the net to give Galatasaray a 1-0 lead. The goal marked Osimhen’s first in the Champions League for Galatasaray and was a crucial step toward securing the team’s first points in the group stage.
In the remaining minutes of the first half, Liverpool began to dominate possession and focused on set pieces. After a corner in the 30th minute, Liverpool’s defense cleared the ball beyond the penalty area, and Yunus Akgün headed it back into the box.
The ball fell to Sanchez, whose shot went wide. In the 31st minute, Gakpo delivered a cross from the left flank, and Frimpong laid it off to Wirtz at the back post. The German player struck immediately, but Uğurcan dived to his left to push the ball onto the post. This save stood out as the goalkeeper’s most critical intervention of the first half.
In the 32nd minute, Szoboszlai’s right-wing corner was headed down by Van Dijk to Kerkez at the six-yard line. Abdülkerim Bardakcı blocked Kerkez’s shot. The loose ball was headed toward goal by Ekitike, but Singo intervened to block the attempt. In the same attacking sequence, the ball rebounded again to Ekitike, and this time Davinson Sanchez arrived in time to clear it onto the post. Galatasaray’s defense made three consecutive interventions to deny the goal.
Although Liverpool applied pressure in the latter part of the first half, Galatasaray’s defense held its shape and maintained positional discipline. The yellow and red team went into halftime with a 1-0 advantage.
Galatasaray vs Liverpool match (AA)
At the start of the second half, the tempo of the game changed. Liverpool emerged with a more offensive setup, while Galatasaray adopted a more cautious approach focused on protecting their lead. In the 49th minute, Liverpool launched an attack down the right flank. Frimpong entered the penalty area and passed the ball to the six-yard line. Ekitike executed a clever heel flick, but Uğurcan Çakır made a timely intervention to keep the ball off the line and prevent an immediate equalizer.
In the 54th minute, Galatasaray capitalized on a mistake by Liverpool’s defense. Osimhen intercepted Konate’s backpass in midfield, drove quickly into the penalty area, and fired a shot. Goalkeeper Alisson made a crucial save to deny Galatasaray a second goal. This was Galatasaray’s first serious attacking move of the second half.
In the 63rd minute, Liverpool created another threat through a through ball from Wirtz to Isak, who shot from the left side of the penalty area. Uğurcan again made a controlled save to relieve pressure. From this point onward, fresh substitutes, particularly from Liverpool, began to physically challenge Galatasaray’s defense. However, the defensive line maintained its position and continued to resist effectively.
The final stages of the match were more controlled for both teams. Liverpool frequently changed their attacking direction, but Galatasaray’s midfielders provided defensive support to prevent the buildup of dangerous situations. In the 90+3rd minute, Szoboszlai’s left-wing corner was cleared by Galatasaray’s defense. Mac Allister controlled the ball in the penalty area and shot, but it went wide. This was Liverpool’s final goal attempt of the match.
In the 90+5th minute, Galatasaray had a chance to extend their lead through a counterattack. Lemina’s cross from the left was cleared by Liverpool’s defense, and the rebound fell to Torreira. His powerful shot from the edge of the penalty area struck the post and went out for a corner. This was Galatasaray’s most effective attacking move of the second half.
No further clear chances were created in the remaining minutes, and Galatasaray held on to their 1-0 advantage to secure their first win in the UEFA Champions League group stage.
Galatasaray vs Liverpool match (AA)
The match ended with Galatasaray winning 1-0. With this result, the yellow and red team climbed to 19th place with their first three points of the group stage, while Liverpool dropped to 16th place on the same number of points. This victory also ended Galatasaray’s eight-match home winning streak in the Champions League.
Galatasaray post-match celebrations (AA)
After the match, players from both teams made statements. Liverpool defender Konate said: "Losing to Galatasaray is not surprising. They are a very strong team. Their fans and the atmosphere of their stadium are excellent."
Osimhen said: "I congratulate my team. They were a very tough opponent. Many people did not believe we would win, except for those here. I was away from the team, but this is the greatest club in the world to me! We achieved a great victory for Galatasaray and for me. My reason for coming here was the fans. It is a source of pride that they support me this way. Thanks to them, I always play better. I love Galatasaray and its fans deeply."
Galatasaray faced Norway’s Bodo/Glimt in the third matchday of the 2025-2026 UEFA Champions League season. The match took place on 22 October 2025 at RAMS Park in Istanbul. Under UEFA’s new 36-team league format, the yellow-red team suffered a 5-1 away defeat against Germany’s Eintracht Frankfurt in their opening match and then secured three points at home by defeating English club Liverpool 1-0 in the second matchday. The third matchday encounter against Bodo/Glimt aimed to increase Galatasaray’s group points to six.
Bodo/Glimt qualified for the Champions League via the play-off round, where they won 5-0 at home against Austria’s Sturm Graz and lost 2-1 away, advancing on aggregate. In their first two group stage matches, they drew 2-2 against Tottenham and Slavia Prague.
Galatasaray-Bodo/Glimt (AA)
With this match, Galatasaray has appeared in 331 European competitions since their debut in the 1956-1957 season. Against 112 teams from 37 different countries, they have recorded 117 wins, 89 draws and 124 defeats, scoring 453 goals and conceding 503.
This was Galatasaray’s seventh encounter with Norwegian teams, with a record of three wins, one draw and two losses against them. Previously, they had faced Rosenborg, Tromsø and Molde. This match marked the first-ever meeting between Galatasaray and Bodo/Glimt. Galatasaray has never lost a home match against Norwegian teams, having played four such games without defeat.
Galatasaray-Bodo/Glimt (AA)
Galatasaray completed their preparations for the match on Tuesday, 21 October 2025, at the Kemerburgaz Metin Oktay Facilities. The training session began with dynamic warm-ups, followed by an 8v2 passing drill conducted in two groups, and concluded with a tactical session under head coach Okan Buruk.
At the pre-match press conference, Okan Buruk stated that the team would approach the match against Bodo/Glimt with the same concentration shown after the victory over Liverpool. He noted that the opponent is a successful team, leading their domestic league and reaching the semi-finals of European competitions last season. He emphasized the importance of the match, saying, “Reaching six points is very valuable for us.”
Buruk highlighted the difficulty of squad selection due to the strength of the player pool and the strong desire of every player to play. He confirmed that new signing İlkay Gündoğan had adapted quickly to the team but would not feature in the Bodo/Glimt match due to injury. He also confirmed that Wilfried Singo, who was injured in the Beşiktaş derby, would not be included in the squad.
Okan Buruk (AA)
The match was played on Wednesday, 22 October 2025, at 19:45 at RAMS Park. It was officiated by England’s Michael Oliver, with assistants Stuart Burt and James Mainwaring. The match was broadcast live in Türkiye on TRT 1 and the TRT platform.
According to UEFA’s official records, the match was part of the third matchday of the 36-team league phase. Galatasaray played at the Ali Sami Yen Sports Complex – RAMS Park, and the result was officially recorded as 3-1.
Galatasaray supporters organized a tifo in support of the Palestinian people for the match against Bodo/Glimt. A Palestinian flag was created using cardboard in the north stand, and a large banner reading “Stop the Genocide” was unfurled. Slogans such as “Free Palestine” were also displayed across the stands. Approximately 50,000 spectators filled the entire stadium.
RAMS Park (AA)
Uğurcan Çakır, Sallai, Davinson Sanchez, Abdülkerim Bardakcı, Jakobs, Lemina (65’ Sara), Torreira (88’ Berkan Kutlu), Sane, Yunus Akgün (73’ Kaan Ayhan), Barış Alper Yılmaz (65’ Eren Elmalı), Osimhen (73’ Icardi).
Haikin, Sjovold, Bjortuft, Aleesami (69’ Nielsen), Bjorkan (82’ Maatta), Evjen (88’ Klynge), Berg, Brunstad Fet (69’ Bassi), Auklend, Hogh (69’ Helmersen), Hauge.
Galatasaray-Bodo/Glimt (AA)
Galatasaray took the lead in the 3rd minute. In the center of the pitch, Mario Lemina intercepted the ball and passed it to Victor Osimhen on the edge of the penalty area. Osimhen struck a powerful shot from a left diagonal angle, sending the ball into the net past the far post. The score became 1-0.
In the 7th minute, goalkeeper Haikin saved a header from Osimhen following a cross from Yunus Akgün on the right flank. In the 29th minute, after a mistake by Bjortuft on a cross from Jakobs, the ball again fell to Osimhen, but the Norwegian goalkeeper blocked the attempt. In the 33rd minute, Galatasaray doubled their lead.
Osimhen capitalized on a poor backpass from Bjorkan under pressure from Yunus Akgün, rounded the goalkeeper and slotted the ball into the net. The score became 2-0.
In the 39th minute, Hauge’s shot went wide. In the 43rd minute, Brunstad Fet’s strike hit the post. The first half ended with Galatasaray leading 2-0.
Galatasaray-Bodo/Glimt (AA)
In the 53rd minute of the second half, Abdülkerim Bardakcı blocked a shot from Auklend during a Bodo/Glimt attack. In the 54th minute, after Osimhen won the ball, he combined with Yunus Akgün, and Sane’s shot struck the defense. In the 60th minute, Yunus Akgün fired a shot from the right side of the penalty area, which was saved by the goalkeeper. The rebound fell to Yunus Akgün, who finished into the net. Galatasaray extended their lead to 3-0.
In the 67th minute, Sjovold cleared Osimhen’s shot off the line. In the 75th minute, Bodo/Glimt reduced the deficit to 3-1. Following a cross from Bjorkan, Helmersen headed the ball into the net. The match ended with a 3-1 scoreline.
Galatasaray-Bodo/Glimt (AA)
Galatasaray concluded the third matchday of the UEFA Champions League with a 3-1 victory. With this result, they increased their points total to six and stood in 11th place after three matchdays. Bodo/Glimt remained on two points after three matches.
Galatasaray’s unbeaten home streak reached 30 matches. Their last home defeat came in the previous season’s play-off return leg against Young Boys, which ended 1-0. With this match, the yellow-red team has now recorded 22 wins and eight draws in official home matches.
In the fourth matchday of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League season, Galatasaray traveled to face Dutch representatives Ajax. The match, played on 5 November 2025 at the Johan Cruijff Arena, holds a unique place in Turkish football history. It marked Galatasaray’s 332nd appearance in European competitions, and the result was regarded as a historic victory on Dutch soil.
Ajax - Galatasaray match (AA)
The Galatasaray delegation departed from Istanbul Airport on a special aircraft on 4 November 2025 bound for Amsterdam. The team conducted its final training session prior to the match at the Kemerburgaz Metin Oktay Facilities under head coach Okan Buruk. The first fifteen minutes of the training session were open to the press. Players began with dynamic warm-ups and then split into two groups for ball control and passing drills. The closed portion of the session focused on tactical preparations for the Ajax encounter.
Yunus Akgün, who had felt pain during Galatasaray’s 11th-week Süper Lig match against Trabzonspor, trained with the squad but was not included in the matchday squad. Additionally, İlkay Gündoğan, who was still undergoing treatment, did not travel with the team. After completing their final preparations, the squad departed for Amsterdam.
Head coach Okan Buruk and goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır held a press conference at the Johan Cruijff Arena on the day before the match at 22:00 Türkiye Time.
Galatasaray’s final pre-match training (AA)
Head coach Okan Buruk stated: “We must approach this match with the same seriousness as we did against Bodo/Glimt and Liverpool. We must respect our opponent. To give value to our previous two wins, we must win this match too.”
Buruk noted that Ajax had struggled in the first halves of their matches this season but shown stronger performances in the second halves. “We face a team that will challenge us. Do not be misled by previous results. They received an early red card against Chelsea and missed numerous chances against Inter. Their results were decided by goals conceded from set pieces. We must play our own game.”
Galatasaray goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır emphasized the importance of playing in the Champions League: “Regardless of our opponent’s situation, we must play our own game. Ajax is a historic club. Every match in the Champions League is difficult. We aim to deliver our best performance to make our country and our fans proud.”
Galatasaray goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır and head coach Okan Buruk (AA)
With this match, Galatasaray made their 332nd appearance in European competitions. The yellow-and-red team has recorded 118 wins, 89 draws, and 124 defeats in 331 previous European matches, scoring 456 goals and conceding 504.
This is Galatasaray’s 18th participation in the UEFA Champions League. Having played 160 matches in Europe’s premier club competition prior to this fixture, the match against Ajax marked their 161st appearance. In the tournament’s history, they have achieved 43 wins, 39 draws, and 78 losses.
Ajax, meanwhile, stood fourth in the Eredivisie after the first 11 matchdays of the season with five wins, five draws, and one defeat, accumulating 20 points. They lost all three of their opening Champions League matches and remained without a point.
Ajax - Galatasaray infographic (AA)
The match kicked off on Wednesday, 5 November 2025 at 23:00 Türkiye Time at the Johan Cruijff Arena. It was officiated by French referee Benoît Bastien, with assistants Hicham Zakrani and Aurélien Berthomieu, and fourth official Thomas Leonard. Willy Delajod served as the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).
Ajax - Galatasaray match (AA)
Pasveer, Gaaei, Wijndal (46' G. Alders), Reeger (71' K. Fitz-Jim), Gloukh, Godts (71' R. Bounida), Baas, Klaassen, Mokio (78' J. McConnell), Weghorst, Sutalo.
Uğurcan Çakır, Wilfried Singo, Davinson Sanchez, Abdülkerim Bardakcı, Ismail Jakobs (86' E. Elmalı), Lucas Torreira (89' Berkan Kutlu), Mario Lemina (86' K. Ayhan), Gabriel Sara (46' Barış Alper), Roland Sallai, Leroy Sané, Victor Osimhen (81' Icardi).
Ajax - Galatasaray match (AA)
The match began with Galatasaray asserting high intensity and early pressure. In the opening fifteen minutes, the yellow-and-red side dominated possession and troubled Ajax’s defense, particularly through the active play of Wilfried Singo on the right flank.
In the 14th minute, a cross from Singo on the right found Victor Osimhen near the penalty spot. He took a powerful shot, but goalkeeper Pasveer parried the ball away. In the 18th minute, another corner from Gabriel Sara on the left saw Osimhen head toward goal, but Pasveer stretched to push the ball away for a corner.
As the first half progressed, Galatasaray maintained control and built attacks primarily through the wings. In the 23rd minute, a cross from Leroy Sané into the penalty area resulted in a header from Sara that lacked power. In the 25th minute, Sallai’s long-range attempt went wide of the target.
In the 34th minute, Ajax mounted a strong attack. A shot from Mokio near the edge of the penalty area was blocked by goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır. In the 37th minute, Gaaei received a pass from Godts on the right side of the penalty area and fired toward the near post, but Çakır again denied the goal. In the 38th minute, a deflection from Abdülkerim Bardakcı fell to Gloukh, whose shot narrowly missed the target and went out of play.
In the closing minutes of the first half, Galatasaray regained pressure. A free kick from Sané in the 41st minute caused chaos in the penalty area, and Lemina’s follow-up shot was blocked by the defense. The first half ended goalless.
Ajax - Galatasaray match (AA)
Galatasaray started the second half with greater determination. In the 52nd minute, a pass from Jakobs found Sallai on the left diagonal of the penalty area. His shot struck the crossbar and rebounded to Osimhen, but the Dutch goalkeeper Pasveer recovered to collect the ball.
In the 59th minute, Leroy Sané received the ball on the right flank and delivered a cross into the six-yard box. Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen rose between defenders and headed the ball into the net. Galatasaray took a 1-0 lead.
In the 65th minute, a cross from Barış Alper on the left struck the arm of Ajax defender Baas. After reviewing the incident via VAR, French referee Bastien awarded a penalty. Osimhen stepped up and calmly slotted the ball into the right corner of the net, extending the lead to 2-0.
In the 74th minute, Ajax came close to scoring. A free kick from Gaaei on the left edge of the penalty area narrowly missed the target and went out of play. In the 76th minute, during another Galatasaray attack, Barış Alper’s shot inside the penalty area struck the arm of Ajax substitute Alders. The referee immediately awarded a penalty. Osimhen converted again, this time placing the ball into the opposite corner to complete his hat-trick. The score was now 3-0.
In the 81st minute, Osimhen was replaced by Mauro Icardi. In the 90+4th minute, Icardi received a long pass behind the defense and fired from the right diagonal of the penalty area. The ball struck the far post and bounced back into play.
For the remainder of the match, Galatasaray controlled possession and denied Ajax any meaningful chances. The match ended with a 3-0 victory for Galatasaray.
Ajax - Galatasaray match (AA)
With this result, Galatasaray secured their third win in four Champions League matches this season. The yellow-and-red team raised their points total to nine and became the first Turkish club to defeat Ajax on Dutch soil.
Defender Wilfried Singo said after the match: “I am happy about this victory tonight. We earned this result through an excellent team effort. It was wonderful to be back on the pitch after my injury.” He added about his teammate Osimhen: “He is a great striker. I am happy to play with him.”
Victor Osimhen, with his three goals, became the top scorer in the UEFA Champions League after the fourth matchday of the season.
Following their away victory against Ajax, Galatasaray began preparations for their upcoming Süper Lig match against Kocaelispor. Under head coach Okan Buruk, the team has positioned itself as a strong contender in the group stage of the Champions League’s inaugural season under the new format, with nine points.
The UEFA Champions League fifth matchday fixture between Galatasaray and Union Saint-Gilloise, played on 25 November 2025 at RAMS Park, had direct implications for both teams’ standings in the league phase of the tournament. The match marked Galatasaray’s 333rd European competition game and served as Union Saint-Gilloise’s first away test in their debut league phase campaign in the competition.
Galatasaray vs Union Saint-Gilloise match (AA)
Entering the match against Union Saint-Gilloise, Galatasaray had played 332 matches in European competitions. The yellow-and-red team made its European debut in the 1956–57 season and has faced 113 different clubs from 37 countries, recording 119 wins, 89 draws, and 124 defeats. Galatasaray has scored 459 goals and conceded 504 in these matches.
In the Champions League specifically, Galatasaray has appeared in 161 matches, achieving 44 wins, 39 draws, and 78 losses. At home, they have played 98 matches, winning 46 of them. The match against Union Saint-Gilloise was Galatasaray’s 333rd European encounter.
Galatasaray vs Union Saint-Gilloise infographic (AA)
Galatasaray began the season with a 5–1 away defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt, followed by home victories of 1–0 against Liverpool, 3–1 against Bodo/Glimt, and a 3–0 away win against Ajax, accumulating nine points heading into the fifth matchday.
Union Saint-Gilloise started their campaign with a 3–1 away win against PSV, then suffered 4–0 defeats against Newcastle and Atletico Madrid. With three points from these results, they stood in 28th place.
A day before the match, David Hubert highlighted the quality of Galatasaray’s squad despite their injuries. He noted that mistakes are costly in the Champions League and pointed out that his team had faced difficulties in previous matches due to penalties, emphasizing the need to learn from those errors. He stressed that Galatasaray demonstrated their level through players such as Mauro Icardi, Victor Osimhen, and Barış Alper Yılmaz.
Hubert stated that the atmosphere in Turkey would be intense, that his team was prepared for it, and that they expected a highly competitive match. When asked whether Galatasaray’s upcoming derby against Fenerbahçe might offer an advantage, he responded that his own team was also dealing with a congested fixture schedule.
Union Saint-Gilloise Head Coach David Hubert (AA)
Okan Buruk stated before the match that his objectives were clear and emphasized the importance of the three consecutive Champions League victories. He described the Union Saint-Gilloise match as “extremely critical.” He acknowledged that injuries had reduced the available squad but affirmed that the players taking the field were strong.
Buruk said that a win would represent a significant step toward achieving the team’s first 24-point target, with the next stage being the round of 16 and the ultimate goal being the top eight. He also analyzed the opponent’s playing style, possession rates, and positional transitions.
Galatasaray Head Coach Okan Buruk (AA)
Prior to the match, Icardi said that after the opening defeat, the team had responded well and aimed to continue their winning streak after three consecutive victories. He spoke about his own injury recovery, noting that he had been working to improve his physical condition.
Mauro Icardi (AA)
Several key players were unavailable for Galatasaray ahead of the match due to injuries. Victor Osimhen, Yunus Akgün, Kaan Ayhan, Berkan Kutlu, and Wilfried Singo were not included in the squad. Mario Lemina, who was injured in the previous match, was ruled out on matchday. Additionally, Eren Elmalı and Metehan Baltacı were suspended due to accumulation of yellow cards, and Kazımcan Karataş was excluded because he was not registered on UEFA’s official list.
The UEFA Champions League fifth matchday fixture between Galatasaray and Union Saint-Gilloise took place on 25 November 2025 at RAMS Park in Istanbul. The match kicked off at 20:45. The referee was Jose Maria Sanchez from the Royal Spanish Football Federation. Assistant referees were Raul Cabanero and Inigo Prieto, with Alejandro Muniz Ruiz serving as the fourth official. The VAR official was Carlos del Cerro Grande, and the AVAR official was Javier Iglesias Villanueva.
Galatasaray vs Union Saint-Gilloise match (AA)
Uğurcan, Sallai, Sanchez, Abdülkerim, Jakobs (58' A. Ünyay), Torreira, Sara, İlkay, Sane, Barış Alper, Icardi.
Galatasaray starting XI (AA)
Scherpen, Mac Allister, Burgess, Sykes, Khalaili, Zorgane, Florucz (71' Boufal), Van De Perre, Niang (90' F. Leysen), David (58' K. Rodriguez), Ait El Hadj (71' Schoofs).
Union Saint-Gilloise starting XI (AA)
Galatasaray came close to scoring in the opening minutes when Barış Alper Yılmaz threatened the goal, and a shot from outside the box in the 11th minute narrowly went out for a corner. In the 27th minute, Gabriel Sara’s long-range strike hit the post and rebounded into play. In the 33rd minute, Florucz’s shot failed to beat Uğurcan Çakır. In the 40th minute, Sykes’ header struck the crossbar. In the 41st minute, Barış Alper’s header was saved by goalkeeper Scherpen. The first half ended 0–0.
Galatasaray vs Union Saint-Gilloise match (AA)
Arda Ünyay, who came on for Galatasaray in the 53rd minute, received a second yellow card in the 89th minute and was sent off. In the 58th minute, Union Saint-Gilloise took the lead. Following a right-wing attack, Zorgane received a pass from Florucz, played a one-two, and set up David, whose shot found the net. In the 74th minute, Uğurcan Çakır saved a shot from Rodriguez, and the rebound from Schoofs went out for a corner. In the 76th minute, Scherpen parried Sara’s header into a corner. In the 77th minute, Abdülkerim Bardakcı’s header was cleared off the line by Rodriguez. In stoppage time, Rodriguez’s shot clipped the sideline and went out of play.
Galatasaray vs Union Saint-Gilloise match (AA)
After the match, İlkay Gündoğan said the team failed to reflect the desired performance on the pitch, particularly noting excessive ball losses in the first half. He mentioned he had recently returned from injury and needed to regain full fitness, stressing that the team must improve collectively. He added that securing three points would strengthen their play-off campaign and that they must perform better in the upcoming derby.
Following the match, Galatasaray remained on nine points after their three-match winning streak. Union Saint-Gilloise increased their tally to six points thanks to their victory in Istanbul. The match marked the end of Galatasaray’s 33-match unbeaten home run in European competitions.
The Monaco–Galatasaray match, to be played in the sixth matchweek of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League group stage, will be the seventh meeting between the two clubs in their histories. The match will take place on Tuesday 9 December at 23:00 Turkish time at the Stade Louis II.
The match will be held at the Stade Louis II within the Principality of Monaco. It will kick off at 23:00 Turkish time.
The match officials have been appointed by the Royal Dutch Football Association. The central referee is Danny Makkelie, with assistant referees Hessel Steegstra and Jan de Vries. The fourth official is Allard Lindhout, the VAR referee is Bram Van Driessche from Belgium, and the AVAR is Benjamin Brand from Germany.
Danny Makkelie (AA)
Galatasaray continued its match preparations at the Kemerburgaz Metin Oktay Facilities and held its final training session one day before the match. The session consisted of dynamic warm-ups, an 8v2 passing drill in two groups, and tactical work. The training was conducted under the supervision of head coach Okan Buruk.
Public training segments included ball control and passing drills, while private sessions focused on tactical planning for the Monaco encounter. Club doctor Yener İnce confirmed that injured players Mario Lemina, Kaan Ayhan, and Wilfried Singo will not feature in the squad.
Galatasaray completed their final preparations before the match (AA)
Galatasaray’s delegation departed from Istanbul Airport on a chartered flight to Nice. The delegation included club president Dursun Özbek and other officials. Injured players Mario Lemina, Kaan Ayhan, and Wilfried Singo were not included in the squad.
The provisional roster is as follows: Uğurcan Çakır, Ismail Jakobs, Davinson Sanchez, Roland Sallai, Gabriel Sara, Mauro Icardi, Leroy Sané, Yunus Akgün, Batuhan Şen, Berkan Kutlu, Günay Güvenç, İlkay Gündoğan, Ahmed Kutucu, Yusuf Demir, Lucas Torreira, Abdülkerim Bardakcı, Victor Osimhen, Barış Alper Yılmaz.
Galatasaray’s delegation departed for France ahead of the Monaco match (AA)
Several players are unavailable due to injury and suspension. Jakobs, Singo, Kaan Ayhan, and Arda Ünyay will not play, while Kazımcan Karataş is ineligible due to registration rules. Eren Elmalı and Metehan Baltacı are also excluded from the squad due to suspensions resulting from betting investigations.
Due to the absence at left-back, Okan Buruk is expected to evaluate Berkan Kutlu or Barış Alper Yılmaz as potential options for the position.
Galatasaray will play its 334th match in European competitions. In its previous 333 matches, the club has recorded 119 wins, 125 defeats, and 89 draws, scoring 459 goals and conceding 505.
This season marks Galatasaray’s 18th participation in the Champions League. The club has previously played 127 Champions League matches, securing 32 victories. During the European Cup era, it won 12 of its 35 matches.
Galatasaray has accumulated nine points in the first five matchweeks of the Champions League and currently stands in 14th place. Results during this period include wins against Liverpool, Bodo/Glimt, and Ajax, and losses to Eintracht Frankfurt and Union Saint-Gilloise.
Infographic of the Monaco–Galatasaray match (AA)
Monaco has played 15 matches in Ligue 1, recording seven wins, two draws, and six defeats. With 23 points, it currently ranks seventh in the league.
After five matches in the Champions League, Monaco has earned one win, three draws, and one defeat, accumulating six points and placing 23rd in the group stage. Its most recent match ended in a 2–2 draw against Pafos.
The matchday status of Ansu Fati, George Ilenikhena, Folarin Balogun, Denis Zakaria, Christian Mawissa, and Eric Dier remains uncertain. Their goal contributions are also noted.
The two teams have met six times previously. Galatasaray has won two of these matches, Monaco has won three, and one ended in a draw. Galatasaray has scored seven goals while Monaco has scored twelve.
In the three matches played in Monaco, Galatasaray recorded one win and two defeats. The first encounter took place on 1 March 1989, ending in a 1–0 away victory for Galatasaray.
Galatasaray has faced French clubs 21 times, with seven wins, five draws, and nine defeats. In 11 away matches against French teams, Galatasaray has won two, drawn two, and lost seven. Its most recent away win against a French side came on 26 September 2001 against Nantes.
Monaco has played 12 matches against Turkish clubs, securing five wins, five defeats, and two draws. At home, it has won four of its six matches against Turkish teams.
Pocognoli stated that the team has been unable to consistently maintain the performance level it aspires to achieve in both Ligue 1 and the UEFA Champions League this season. He emphasized that this situation has heightened the need for focus within the squad, particularly underlining the importance of maintaining positive momentum and concentration for the remainder of the season.
The head coach noted that the match against Galatasaray represents a crucial step for Monaco to continue its campaign in the tournament. He stressed the necessity of maintaining composure, highlighting that three important matches lie ahead and that sustaining a positive outlook during this period is essential.
Monaco’s German defender Kehrer stated that he is not satisfied with the team’s results this season. He emphasized that players must take to the pitch with confidence and belief, and that unity is essential to overcome this difficult period.
He also noted the need to maintain a positive attitude and solidarity, and affirmed that the team is aware of the necessity to recover despite poor results.
Head Coach Sebastien Pocognoli and Thilo Kehrer (AA)
Pocognoli said the players continue rigorous training every day and consistently work to improve certain aspects of the team.
He stressed that no compromise on performance is acceptable and highlighted the importance of maximum focus in matches to achieve their goals.
He also stated that the team needs confidence and stability, and that every match, due to the strong opponents they will face in the league and in Europe, requires high-level preparation.
In response to sharp criticisms of the players during the press conference, Pocognoli said he strives to give all players equal opportunities. He emphasized that footballers playing for a club like Monaco must be aware of this expectation and are required to deliver performances at the highest level.
He acknowledged that there have been occasional lapses in ambition and said he has done everything in his power to ensure this drive is reflected on the pitch. The head coach also mentioned that claims have circulated suggesting he views Monaco as a stepping stone to Paris Saint-Germain, but he clarified that the team’s internal work proceeds independently of such interpretations.
Head Coach Sebastien Pocognoli (AA)
Pocognoli expects the match to be intense and of high quality, with both teams showcasing their individual and collective strengths on the pitch. He described this as a positive attribute for his side and stated that the decisive factor will be which team better expresses its strengths over the full 90 minutes.
He emphasized the difficulty of the match by noting that both teams are “very strong on paper.”
Pocognoli said some players are returning from injury and that Folarin Balogun’s condition will be assessed after the last training session, with a decision on his availability for the match to follow accordingly. He added that the rest of the squad is generally fit for the contest and stressed the importance of minimizing cards in the match to avoid risking future games.
Okan Buruk noted that they are facing a crucial match and that their opponents have shown inconsistent performances both in the league and in Europe. He reminded that Monaco is a team capable of defeating Paris Saint-Germain and emphasized that Galatasaray has come into this contest with the sole aim of winning. He acknowledged that injuries have complicated the process but pointed out that the team remains top of the league, two points ahead of Trabzonspor.
Okan Buruk also highlighted the historical significance of this match for Galatasaray. Recalling that the club won the UEFA Super Cup at the same stadium in 2000, he said they aim to give the fans another special night tomorrow. He noted that their opponents have recently switched to a four-man defense and expect them to use the same formation in this match. He said the absence of Singo and Jakobs has been felt, but that Jakobs is expected to be included in the squad, with a final decision to be made before the match. He admitted that due to a lack of alternative players, they have been forced to field the same lineup repeatedly, which has affected performance, and described this period as one of the most challenging in Galatasaray’s recent history.
Yunus Akgün and Head Coach Okan Buruk (AA)
Yunus Akgün, who has returned to the squad after overcoming his injury, said they are preparing for a tough match and wish to win it to make the fans happy. He mentioned that he still occasionally experiences pain following his surgery but that his physical condition is gradually improving. He believes his performance will continue to rise as he gains more playing time, and although he is not yet at full capacity, he is continuing his efforts and expects to reach a higher level. Akgün emphasized that fans support the team in every away match, which serves as a major source of motivation.
During the press conference, Galatasaray’s historical connection to the stadium in Monaco was also recalled. The yellow-and-red team won the UEFA Super Cup there in 2000. This historic achievement has become an additional source of motivation for players and staff, and the goal of providing fans with another memorable night tomorrow was reiterated.
Technical director Okan Buruk (AA)
Hradecky, Vanderson, Kehrer, Salisu, Henrique, Zakaria, Camara, Akliouche, Minamino (75′ Teze), Golovin (82′ Ouattara), Balogun (86′ Biereth)
Uğurcan Çakır (68′ Uğurcan Çakır), Sallai, Sanchez, Abdülkerim Bardakcı, Jakobs (79′ Icardi), Torreira, Sara, İlkay Gündoğan, Sane, Barış Alper Yılmaz, Osimhen
The first half of the match featured attacking efforts from both sides and ended goalless. Galatasaray sought to create chances through rapid attacks down the flanks, while Monaco focused on generating scoring opportunities from around the penalty area. In the second half, following sustained pressure from the home side, a goal was scored and the match ended 1-0.
In the 13th minute, Galatasaray came close to scoring when Barış Alper Yılmaz initiated an attack and İlkay Gündoğan finished Jakobs’ cross inside the penalty area, but the ball went out for a corner. In the 16th minute, Osimhen’s header from a right-wing cross by İlkay Gündoğan failed to find the target.
In the 19th minute, Barış Alper Yılmaz moved behind the defense after a long ball, entered the penalty area following a mistake by Vanderson and took a shot, but the ball struck the post and went wide.
In the 21st minute, Monaco tested the goal with a shot from Akliouche, which Uğurcan Çakır pushed away to a corner. From the resulting corner, Balogun headed the ball out for a goal kick.
In the 24th minute, Balogun’s header from a Minamino cross went out for a corner. In the 30th minute, Akliouche’s shot from just outside the penalty area was saved by Uğurcan Çakır and pushed to a corner.
In the 35th minute, Galatasaray again threatened with a shot from Osimhen on the right side of the penalty area, but the ball struck the defense and went out for a corner. The first half ended goalless.
Monaco vs Galatasaray match (AA)
In the 47th minute, Uğurcan Çakır saved a close-range shot from Minamino inside the penalty area. Subsequently, after Sanchez’s intervention, VAR reviewed the incident and referee Makkelie awarded a penalty.
In the 51st minute, Zakaria’s penalty kick was saved by Uğurcan Çakır with his feet.
In the 59th and 62nd minutes, Balogun had two clear chances. On the first, his shot went out for a corner. On the second, his effort sailed over the crossbar. In the 67th minute, Galatasaray goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır was substituted due to injury and replaced by Günay Güvenç.
In the 68th minute, Monaco scored. From a left-wing corner taken by Camara, the ball deflected off Sara and fell to Balogun, whose shot was not cleared in time by Torreira, who was on the goal line.
In the 80th minute, Camara found himself one-on-one with goalkeeper Günay Güvenç inside the penalty area, but his shot went over the crossbar. The match ended 1-0 in favor of Monaco.
Monaco-Galatasaray match (AA)
According to UEFA’s official match report, the player identified for the match is Takumi Minamino. The same report states that Monaco won five of their last six UEFA home matches and that only one of these matches featured fewer than three goals scored.
It is also noted that Galatasaray has not won any of their last six away matches against French teams and has won only two of their twelve overall away matches against French clubs.
Following the match, both Monaco and Galatasaray reached nine points each at the end of the sixth matchday and thus shared their positions in the league stage. Galatasaray will face Atlético Madrid at home in their next UEFA Champions League match on 21 January.
The match is part of the 7th matchday of the UEFA Champions League league phase, featuring Galatasaray against Atlético Madrid, under the 36-team league phase format of UEFA Champions League. The match will be played on 21 January 2026.
The match will take place in the 7th matchday of the UEFA Champions League league phase. Galatasaray began this season under the new 36-team league phase format.
The match will be held at RAMS Park on 21 January 2026, with a kick-off at 20:45.
The match will be officiated by István Kovács of the Romanian Football Federation.
Before the 7th matchday, Galatasaray is in 18th place with 9 points.
Galatasaray lost their opening league phase match away to Eintracht Frankfurt 5-1. They then defeated Liverpool 1-0, Bodo/Glimt 3-1, and Ajax 3-0 away. Subsequently, they were beaten 1-0 at home by Union Saint-Gilloise and lost 1-0 away to Monaco. This six-match sequence determined their position in the points table before the 7th matchday.
Galatasaray-Atlético Madrid match infographic (AA)
Before the 7th matchday, Atlético Madrid is in 8th place with 12 points.
Atlético Madrid lost 3-2 away to Liverpool in the first matchday. They defeated Eintracht Frankfurt 5-1 at home in the second matchday and lost 4-0 away to Arsenal in the third. They then won 3-1 against Union Saint-Gilloise, 2-1 against Inter, and 3-2 away against PSV.
Gabriel Sara and Arda Ünyay will be unavailable for this match due to injuries. Kazımcan Karataş will not feature as he was not included in the squad submitted to UEFA.
Wilfried Singo has been absent from the team for an extended period and is not expected to be included in the match squad.
Ismail Jakobs is expected to be included in the match squad. Sara is training with the team to assess his physical condition. Victor Osimhen has returned to the squad.
Ismail Jakobs and Davinson Sánchez are at the yellow card suspension limit. Receiving a yellow card in this match will result in them being suspended for the 8th matchday against Manchester City.
Victor Osimhen is preparing to return to action after 39 days. His last appearance was on 13 December 2025 in the Hesap.com Antalyaspor match at Trendyol Süper Lig. He then participated with the Nigeria national team in the Africa Cup of Nations, missing Galatasaray’s six official matches during that period. Of Galatasaray’s eight goals in the Champions League, six have been scored by Osimhen and two by Yunus Akgün.
Mauro Icardi has reached 71 goals for Galatasaray. Scoring two goals against Atlético Madrid would take him to 72, surpassing Gheorghe Hagi’s record and making him the club’s all-time top foreign goalscorer.
If Jan Oblak plays in this match, it will be his 100th appearance in the UEFA Champions League.
Julian Alvarez has scored 11 goals in 15 Champions League matches for Atlético Madrid. Scoring against Galatasaray would make him the club’s second-highest all-time Champions League goalscorer. Antoine Griezmann leads the list with 39 goals.
Lucas Torreira (left) and Okan Buruk (right) (AA)
Okan Buruk outlined the current squad situation ahead of the match, focusing on Osimhen’s return, Jakobs’ availability and Sara’s physical condition. He confirmed Singo would not feature and emphasized the critical importance of this match for Galatasaray.
Lucas Torreira stated he played one season for Atlético Madrid and won the league title with them. He noted the match holds special meaning for him. He declined to comment on future speculation, confirming his commitment to Galatasaray. He also spoke of a period of concentration difficulties due to his father’s health issues and thanked the club environment for its support.
Uğurcan Çakır, Sallai, Sanchez, Abdülkerim Bardakcı, Eren Elmalı, Torreira (88’ İlkay Gündoğan), Lemina, Sane, Yunus Akgün (65’ Sara), Barış Alper Yılmaz (80’ Jakobs), Osimhen
Starting XI of both teams (AA)
Oblak, Llorente, Pubill, Hancko, Ruggeri, Simeone, Koke (56’ Cardoso), Barrios (56’ Le Normand), Almada (46’ Baena), Sörloth (61’ Griezmann), Alvarez (73’ Gonzalez)
Both teams created goal-scoring opportunities in the first half. Atlético Madrid came close in the 3rd minute through Alvarez, but the shot struck the post and went out for a corner. Atlético Madrid took the lead in the 4th minute: Almada initiated an attack down the left flank, Ruggeri delivered a cross, and Giuliano Simeone headed the ball into the net from the back post. Galatasaray equalized in the 20th minute: Roland Sallai received a pass from Leroy Sané on the right wing, cut inside the penalty area, and his shot deflected off Marcos Llorente’s backheel into his own net. Galatasaray had a strong chance in the 45th minute when Yunus Akgün delivered a ball from the right flank toward the far post; Barış Alper Yılmaz’s immediate shot went wide. The first half ended 1-1.
Galatasaray-Atlético Madrid match (AA)
In the second half, both teams maintained a balance between defense and attack. Atlético Madrid created a chance in the 57th minute through Sörloth; his shot from Pubill’s cross went over the bar. In the 58th minute, Hancko struck a header from Simeone’s flick, but Abdülkerim Bardakcı cleared it off the line. Galatasaray attempted to score in the 69th minute from a corner taken by Sara, with Osimhen heading toward goal, but Oblak made the save. In the closing stages, the tempo increased. In the 85th minute, Griezmann’s free kick was comfortably held by Galatasaray goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır. Baena’s subsequent shot was blocked by the defense. In the 90th minute and during stoppage time, Sara had two chances from Osimhen’s passes; one shot went out for a corner and the other was saved by Oblak. Both teams created clear opportunities in the final phases, but the score remained unchanged. The match ended 1-1.
Yellow cards were shown to players from both teams. For Atlético Madrid, Pubill, Almada, Barrios and Simeone received yellow cards. For Galatasaray, Osimhen, Sallai and Lemina were cautioned by the referee.
Following the match, Galatasaray’s head coach Okan Buruk provided an overall assessment. He noted that the clear goal-scoring opportunity in the final stages was not converted and highlighted that a win would have significantly improved their position in the standings. He emphasized that the current objective is to finish in the top 16, and largely within the top 24, and stressed the importance of the point earned. Buruk stated that positive play was evident when the team possessed the ball and during transitions, but noted that the intensity in the second half placed physical demands on the squad. He credited Gabriel Sara’s introduction with restoring balance. Buruk acknowledged that a win was within reach but was not achieved, adding that the draw was valuable and that satisfaction was taken from the point earned.
Speaking after the match, Victor Osimhen expressed his happiness at reconnecting with the fans. He stated that the team was fully aware of facing a strong opponent and praised the team’s 90-minute effort. The Nigerian forward noted the match was balanced and that Galatasaray created opportunities to take the lead at times, expressing satisfaction with the team’s performance.
Looking ahead to upcoming fixtures, Osimhen reminded that Manchester City is among the strongest teams in the world and emphasized that the team will approach each match individually. He stressed that domestic league matches remain the priority, after which the focus will shift to European competition. Osimhen acknowledged the upcoming challenge and expressed confidence in the team, stating they will approach the next match with a positive mindset. He also highlighted the importance of replicating the performance shown against Atlético Madrid.
Atlético Madrid head coach Diego Simeone assessed the match against Galatasaray. He noted that the game was fast-paced and entertaining for spectators, and that Atlético created effective attacking moves in the first half, but emphasized that only the forward line’s efforts were insufficient to produce goals. The Argentine coach stressed the importance of collective contributions from all players on the pitch and noted that both teams created chances throughout the match, with Galatasaray coming closest to winning in the final stages.
Simeone also commented on Atlético Madrid’s pursuit of a top-eight finish in the UEFA Champions League following the one-point result. He stated that the final standings are not entirely under their control and depend on results from other teams. Simeone affirmed that Atlético Madrid will continue fighting until the final whistle and will await the final table after the remaining matches.
The UEFA Champions League match between Manchester City and Galatasaray was scheduled as part of the final matchweek of the league phase. The fixture will take place on 28 January at Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England.
The match will be played as part of the UEFA Champions League season conducted under the league phase format. In this format, teams play a set number of matches and the standings are determined by points accumulated, with the top teams advancing to the next round. The match between Manchester City and Galatasaray took place in the final week of this stage.
The match will be held on 28 January at the Etihad Stadium. The Etihad Stadium is the home ground of Manchester City and is used for UEFA competitions.
The match will be officiated by Alejandro Hernández of the Royal Spanish Football Federation. The assistant referees are Jose Naranjo and Diego Sanchez Rojo. Jose Luis Munuera will serve as the fourth official.
The Video Assistant Referee system will be used in the match. Carlos del Cerro Grande will serve as VAR, while Robert Schröder will act as AVAR.
Several Galatasaray players recovering from long-term injuries are expected to return to the squad. However, some players signed during the transfer window are ineligible to play in this match due to UEFA regulations. Additionally, some players are nearing the yellow card suspension threshold.
Manchester City has players unavailable due to injury and suspension. Some players signed during the transfer window are also ineligible for this match under UEFA rules. The squad also includes players who are close to accumulating a yellow card suspension.
Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola emphasized the importance of fan support in the final matchweek of the league phase. He acknowledged that the team will be missing players due to injury, suspension and eligibility restrictions.
Galatasaray’s European cup journey began in the 1956–1957 season. The club has participated in hundreds of matches across various UEFA competitions. The match against Manchester City will add another fixture to Galatasaray’s total count in European competitions.
Manchester City vs Galatasaray infographic (AA)
Galatasaray has qualified for the UEFA Champions League through both qualifying rounds and direct entry. In some seasons, they advanced through preliminary qualifying rounds, while in others they entered directly into the main group stage. This season is one of those where the league phase format has been applied.
Galatasaray has played 25 official matches against English teams in European competitions. With the match against Manchester City, this number will rise to 26. In the previous 25 matches, Galatasaray recorded 6 wins, 9 draws and 10 losses, scoring 29 goals and conceding 46.
Of the 25 matches against English teams, 13 were played at Galatasaray’s home ground, 11 away and 1 at a neutral venue. Galatasaray won 4 of their 6 victories at home, 1 away and 1 at a neutral venue.
In their 11 away matches against English teams, Galatasaray recorded 3 draws and 7 losses, with only 1 win. They scored 12 goals and conceded 25 in these matches. In all but one of these 11 matches played in England, Galatasaray conceded at least one goal.
Galatasaray’s first match against an English team in European competitions was against West Bromwich Albion in the 1978–1979 season. Since then, they have faced Manchester United, Chelsea, Leeds United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham. Manchester City will be Galatasaray’s seventh English opponent in European competitions.
Galatasaray has faced Manchester United the most among English teams. The two sides have met eight times, all in the UEFA Champions League. Galatasaray won two of these matches, Manchester United won two, and four ended in draws.
Galatasaray head coach Okan Buruk stated that the match against Manchester City in the final week of the UEFA Champions League league phase is decisive for their position in the standings. He affirmed that the team will take to the pitch with the goal of qualifying for the round of 16 and will give their all to secure victory. He emphasized that both teams have different objectives, with Manchester City also competing for a top-eight finish.
Okan Buruk highlighted the quality of Manchester City’s head coach Pep Guardiola and his squad. He noted that the Etihad Stadium is one of the most significant venues in European football. He referenced İlkay Gündoğan’s long history with Manchester City and emphasized the club’s winning and success-oriented culture.
Regarding squad status, Buruk mentioned that some players are still recovering from injuries and health issues in previous matches. Yunus Akgün did not train, Barış Alper Yılmaz and Lucas Torreira trained only for limited periods, while Wilfried Singo was included in the squad for the first time. These developments indicate that the team’s squad depth has been restored.
Okan Buruk also commented on the results from the early weeks of the UEFA Champions League, using the match against Eintracht Frankfurt as an example to highlight how individual errors impacted the scoreline. He noted that in Galatasaray’s league phase matches, defensive organization and collective movement have been key, and that mistakes at this level are quickly punished by opponents.
In response to a question about potential opponents in the knockout stage, Buruk stated that there are no clear distinctions between teams at this level, and that form and injuries are decisive factors. He emphasized that Galatasaray is prepared to compete against any opponent they may face.
İlkay Gündoğan (left) and Okan Buruk (right) at the pre-match press conference (AA)
İlkay Gündoğan, who wears the Galatasaray jersey, said the match against Manchester City holds special and emotional significance for him. Having played for Manchester City for many years, he noted that facing his former teammates and coach Pep Guardiola will be a unique experience. He added that playing this match at the Etihad Stadium, where he accumulated many important memories in his career, gives it a special place.
Gündoğan highlighted his long-standing working relationship with Pep Guardiola, describing him as a coach renowned for his football philosophy and attention to detail. He emphasized that Manchester City’s squad is composed of world-class players and that every match in the Champions League is challenging.
Regarding the meaning of Galatasaray to him, Gündoğan said he has followed the club since childhood and that it holds a special place in his heart. He has followed Okan Buruk since his playing days and expressed that wearing the Galatasaray jersey in the Champions League carries personal significance in his career.
Gündoğan also reflected on his time at Manchester City, recalling numerous domestic and international successes achieved with the club, which he values deeply. However, he stressed that his full focus is now on the current match as he prepares to play for Galatasaray.
Donnarumma, Nunes, Khusanov, Ake, Ait-Nouri, O'Reilly, Cherki (82' Nico Gonzalez), Bernardo Silva, Marmoush (67' Reijnders), Doku (36' Foden), Haaland
Galatasaray starting XI (AA)
Uğurcan Çakır, Sallai, Sanchez, Abdülkerim Bardakcı (67' Eren Elmalı), Jakobs, Lemina, İlkay Gündoğan (67' Torreira), Sane (80' Kaan Ayhan), Sara (86' Icardi), Barış Alper Yılmaz (67' Yunus Akgün), Osimhen
Manchester City vs Galatasaray match (AA)
In the opening stages of the match, Manchester City controlled play. In the 3rd minute, a cross from the left flank by Ait-Nouri into the penalty area was met by a shot from Haaland that narrowly went out for a corner.
In the 11th minute, Manchester City took the lead. Erling Haaland, receiving a pass from Doku behind the defense, entered the penalty area and scored by lifting the ball over goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır.
In the 24th minute, from a sharp shot by O’Reilly just outside the penalty area, Uğurcan Çakır deflected the ball into the corner.
In the 29th minute, Manchester City doubled their advantage. Rayan Cherki, receiving a pass from Doku on the left flank as he entered the penalty area, shot past the defense and found the net.
The remainder of the first half saw no further scoring, and the first half ended with Manchester City leading 2-0.
Manchester City vs Galatasaray match (AA)
In the second half, Galatasaray gained greater possession of the ball. In the 55th minute, a corner kick delivered by Sara from the left flank resulted in a header by Victor Osimhen inside the penalty area, which was saved by goalkeeper Donnarumma.
In the 62nd minute, during a Manchester City attack, Marmoush received a pass from Haaland inside the penalty area and shot, but Uğurcan Çakır made two quick interventions to control the ball.
In the 64th minute, Galatasaray came close to scoring. Osimhen directed a low ball from Sallai into the penalty area and shot toward goal; Donnarumma parried the shot, but the rebound was cleared by the defense.
In the 65th minute, Manchester City created another chance. After Cherki delivered a ball into the penalty area, Galatasaray’s defense failed to clear it, and Ait-Nouri’s shot was blocked by Uğurcan Çakır with his feet.
In the 90+1 minute, during a Manchester City attack, Reijnders’ shot from inside the penalty area was saved by Uğurcan Çakır as he lay on the ground. The score remained unchanged for the remainder of the match, which ended with Manchester City winning 2-0.
With this result, Galatasaray qualified for the play-off round by finishing within the top 24 of the new UEFA Champions League format. Having finished 20th in the league phase, Galatasaray will face either Juventus or Atlético Madrid in the play-off round. The matchups will be determined by a draw to be held on Friday, 30 January.
Okan Buruk (left) and Pep Guardiola (right) (AA)
Galatasaray head coach Okan Buruk evaluated the match by halves in his post-match comments. He noted that too much space was conceded to the opponent in the first half, while the team showed greater initiative and pressure in the second half. Buruk stated that their play-off opponent would be either Juventus or Atlético Madrid and emphasized that the new format determines rankings based on match results. He also highlighted the importance of reinforcements during the transfer window for the play-off campaign.
Speaking after the match, İlkay Gündoğan emphasized the importance of qualifying for the play-off round by finishing in the top 24. He stated that the goals conceded were the result of simple errors and acknowledged that Manchester City had periods of greater ball possession. He stressed the need for better preparation ahead of the play-off round.
With the away match against Manchester City, Galatasaray completed the league phase of the UEFA Champions League. Based on their performance in the league phase—three wins and one draw—they earned €7 million in performance-based revenue. Qualifying for the play-off round added an additional €1 million. Combined with the €25.991 million fixed participation fee, Galatasaray’s total revenue reached €33.991 million. If they advance beyond the play-off round, an additional €11 million will be added to this amount.
In their first match of the 2025–26 UEFA Champions League group stage, Galatasaray suffered a 5–1 away defeat against Eintracht Frankfurt. The yellow-red team took the lead in the 8th minute through a goal by Yunus Akgün, but equalized in the 37th minute after Sanchez scored an own goal. They then lost the match with goals from Can Uzun (45+2), Burkardt (45+4, 66), and Knauff (75), exiting the field with a decisive defeat. Prior to the match, Okan Buruk and Kaan Ayhan had stated that their team was ambitious in the Champions League, but they failed to start the campaign as desired.
In the second matchweek of the 2025–26 UEFA Champions League group stage, Galatasaray defeated English representative Liverpool 1–0 at RAMS Park in Istanbul. The only goal of the match came from Victor Osimhen, who converted a penalty won in the 16th minute after Szoboszlai fouled him in the penalty area. In the first half, Liverpool created chances through Gakpo, Ekitike, and Wirtz, but Galatasaray’s defense prevented any goals with timely interventions. In the second half, several attempts by Ekitike’s heel strike and Isak’s shots from inside the box were saved by goalkeeper Uğurcan. Galatasaray held on to the scoreline to secure their first victory in the Champions League and increased their group stage points to three.
In the third matchweek of the 2025–26 UEFA Champions League, Galatasaray defeated Norwegian representative Bodo/Glimt 3–1 at RAMS Park. In the 3rd minute, Osimhen scored after receiving a pass from Lemina, giving Galatasaray the lead. In the 33rd minute, Osimhen won the ball following a press by Yunus Akgün, beat the goalkeeper, and doubled the lead. The first half ended 2–0. In the second half, a move initiated by Yunus Akgün in the 60th minute resulted in a goal, making the score 3–0. Bodo/Glimt reduced the deficit in the 75th minute through a header by Helmersen. No further goals were scored in the remaining minutes, and the match ended 3–1. With this result, Galatasaray increased their points to six, while Bodo/Glimt remained on two points. Goals were scored by Victor Osimhen (2) and Yunus Akgün. English referee Michael Oliver officiated the match.
On 5 November 2025, at Johan Cruijff Arena, Galatasaray defeated Ajax 3–0 in the fourth matchweek of the UEFA Champions League. In the first half, Galatasaray played aggressively and created two clear chances through Osimhen and Sara, but goalkeeper Pasveer prevented any goals. In the 59th minute of the second half, Victor Osimhen headed in a cross from Sané to put his team ahead. In the 65th minute, Osimhen converted a penalty awarded after Baas handled the ball during a cross from Barış Alper Yılmaz. In the 76th minute, Osimhen scored his third goal from another penalty, awarded after Alders handled the ball, completing a hat-trick. Galatasaray won the match 3–0, increasing their points to nine and becoming the first Turkish team to defeat Ajax away in the Champions League. After the match, Wilfried Singo said, “We achieved this result through an excellent team performance.”
Galatasaray faced Union Saint-Gilloise in the fifth matchweek of the UEFA Champions League on 25 November 2025 at RAMS Park. The match kicked off at 20:45 and was officiated by Jose Maria Sanchez of the Royal Spanish Football Federation. In the first half, Galatasaray threatened with attempts from Barış Alper Yılmaz and Gabriel Sara, while Union Saint-Gilloise created danger through Florucz and Sykes. The first half ended goalless due to shots hitting the post and goalkeeper interventions. In the second half, Union Saint-Gilloise took the lead in the 57th minute through a shot by David, following a buildup by Florucz and Zorgane. Despite further attempts by Sara and Abdülkerim Bardakcı, Galatasaray failed to equalize. In the closing stages, Arda Ünyay was sent off after receiving a second yellow card. The match ended 1–0 in favor of Union Saint-Gilloise, ending Galatasaray’s 33-match home unbeaten run. Union Saint-Gilloise increased their points to six, while Galatasaray remained on nine points.
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September 18, 2025
Eintracht Frankfurt 5–1 Galatasaray
September 30, 2025
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
October 22, 2025
Galatasaray 3-1 Bodo/Glimt
November 5, 2025
Ajax 0-3 Galatasaray
November 25, 2025
Galatasaray 0-1 Union Saint-Gilloise
December 8, 2025
Monaco 1-0 Galatasaray
January 20, 2026
Galatasaray 1-1 Atlético Madrid
January 27, 2026
Manchester City 2-0 Galatasaray