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This article was automatically translated from the original Turkish version.
Throughout its long history in European competitions, Galatasaray has reached the round of 16 in various seasons and has been drawn against Italian side Juventus in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 play-off tie. This encounter represents a new chapter in the club’s historical rivalry with Italian teams and its overall performance in European competitions.
Galatasaray qualified directly for the league phase of the current season under the UEFA Champions League’s 36-team league format. The team finished the league stage in 20th place with 10 points and was drawn against Juventus in the round of 16 play-off.
This season marks Galatasaray’s 18th participation in the UEFA Champions League. In its previous 17 appearances in the competition, it advanced through the qualifying rounds 10 times and entered the group stage directly on seven occasions. It passed two preliminary rounds in the 1993-1994 and 2001-2002 seasons, one preliminary round in the 1994-1995, 1997-1998, 1998-1999, 1999-2000, 2000-2001, 2003-2004 and 2006-2007 seasons, and three preliminary rounds in the 2023-2024 season. It was eliminated in the qualifying rounds during the 2008-2009, 2021-2022 and 2024-2025 seasons.
Galatasaray has played 166 matches in total in the European Cup and UEFA Champions League. In these competitions, it has recorded 44 wins, 40 draws and 81 defeats, scoring 173 goals and conceding 274. In the qualifying rounds, it has played 34 matches with 22 wins, 7 draws and 5 defeats, scoring 75 goals and conceding 38.
Galatasaray lost its opening league phase match away to Eintracht Frankfurt 5-1. In the second matchweek, it defeated Liverpool 1-0, followed by a 3-1 home win over Bodo/Glimt and a 3-0 away victory against Ajax. It lost 1-0 to Union Saint-Gilloise in the fifth matchweek, suffered another 1-0 defeat against Monaco in the sixth, drew 1-1 with Atletico Madrid in the seventh, and lost 2-0 away to Manchester City in the final matchweek. With these results, it accumulated 10 points and finished in 20th place.
In its last 26 Champions League group or league phase matches, Galatasaray has recorded 5 wins, 6 draws and 15 defeats. In its last 18 European competitions matches, it has remained undefeated in 12, achieving 6 wins, 6 draws and 6 losses during this period.
Galatasaray has played 26 official matches against Italian teams, recording 8 wins, 10 draws and 8 defeats, scoring 32 goals and conceding 38.
Galatasaray has faced Juventus on six previous occasions, with a record of 2 wins, 3 draws and 1 defeat. In these matches, it has scored 9 goals and conceded 7.
The two teams first met on 16 September 1998 in Group B of the Champions League, ending in a 2-2 draw.
The match played on 10 December 2013 during the 2013-2014 season was halted at the 33rd minute due to heavy snowfall and completed the following day. Galatasaray won the rescheduled match 1-0 thanks to a goal by Wesley Sneijder in the 85th minute. With this result, it reached seven points, finished second in its group and advanced to the round of 16.
Since its 3-1 home defeat to Milan on 23 January 1963, Galatasaray has played 12 home matches against Italian teams, winning 8 and drawing 4, scoring 20 goals and conceding 12.
Since beginning its European journey in the 1956-1957 season, Galatasaray has faced 113 teams from 37 different countries. Across a total of 336 matches, it has recorded 119 wins, 90 draws and 127 defeats, scoring 460 goals and conceding 509. The match against Juventus was its 337th appearance in European competitions.
Ahead of the first leg of the round of 16 play-off, Galatasaray had four absent players. Mario Lemina was suspended due to a yellow card accumulation. Arda Ünyay, Renato Nhaga and Can Armando Güner, who were not included in the official UEFA squad list, were ineligible to play under tournament regulations.
Ismail Jakobs and Davinson Sanchez are one yellow card away from suspension. If either receives a caution in the first leg, they will be ineligible for the return leg.
Galatasaray has gone undefeated in its last eight home matches, recording six wins and two draws during this period.
Juventus finished the league phase in 13th place with 13 points from three wins, four draws and one defeat.
In Serie A, after matchweek 25, Juventus sits in fifth place with 46 points.
Luciano Spaletti took over as head coach midway through the season. Under his leadership, Juventus has recorded three wins and two draws in five Champions League matches.
Dusan Vlahovic, Arkadiusz Milik and Emil Holm are sidelined due to injury. Khephren Thuram’s availability was confirmed on matchday. Holm was diagnosed with a calf injury and is expected to undergo a two-week recovery period.
Kenan Yıldız has scored nine goals in 33 appearances this season.
Barış Alper Yılmaz (left) and Okan Buruk (right) (AA)
Six of Galatasaray’s nine goals in the Champions League this season have been scored by Victor Osimhen. Yunus Akgün has netted two goals, and one goal was an own goal by an opponent.
Osimhen is approaching the record for most Champions League goals in a single season by a Galatasaray player. Burak Yılmaz holds the club record with eight goals in the 2012-2013 season.
Mauro Icardi scored eight goals in 14 appearances against Juventus during his time playing in Italy.
Head coach Okan Buruk played three seasons for Inter during his playing career, making 42 appearances and scoring two goals.
Galatasaray head coach Okan Buruk and player Barış Alper Yılmaz made statements at a press conference held at the Kemerburgaz Metin Oktay Facilities on 16 February 2026 ahead of their first match against Juventus in the UEFA Champions League play-off round.
Buruk stated that the team’s objective at the start of the season was to advance to the next stage of the UEFA Champions League and that this goal would be pursued through the play-off phase. He highlighted the importance of the home advantage since the first match would be played in Istanbul and emphasized that the tie consists of two matches requiring strategic squad planning for both fixtures.
Juventus’s squad quality and technical capacity were acknowledged with the observation that although the opponent had failed to secure desired results in recent matches they had maintained a consistent level of performance. It was noted that Galatasaray was in a better-rested condition compared to their rival.
Galatasaray head coach Okan Buruk (AA)
The press conference noted that both teams tend to seek dominance over their opponents. Juventus was described as a team capable of applying high pressure, while Galatasaray’s approach is grounded in strong home performance. Within this context the necessity of a balanced strategy across the two-leg tie was emphasized.
It was noted that Juventus can deploy various defensive structures including 3-4-3 4-4-2 or 5-3-2 formations. Players such as Locatelli and McKennie contribute significantly to build-up play through their mobility. Therefore the need for a holistic approach in both defensive and offensive organization was underlined.
Defensive discipline was identified as decisive at the Champions League level with defensive organization gaining particular importance against strong opponents. Previous matches against Liverpool Bodo/Glimt and Atlético Madrid were cited as examples of varied defensive and pressing systems applied. It was also noted that the squad depth is broader than in previous seasons.
Leroy Sané has been sidelined for approximately 20 days following an injury sustained in the match against Manchester City but has resumed training with the team in recent days and is expected to be available for the match.
Mario Lemina who is suspended for the first leg was described as an important player due to his physical strength and defensive contributions and is expected to feature in the return leg.
Galatasaray player Barış Alper Yılmaz (AA)
Barış Alper Yılmaz emphasized the significance of the match for both the club and the country. He confirmed that the team has completed its preparations for the fixture.
He acknowledged having personal contact with Kenan Yıldız who plays for Juventus but stated that no specific discussion took place regarding the match. He noted that individual goals and assists are secondary to team objectives and that he plays according to the instructions given by the head coach. Regarding the new signing Noa Lang he provided an assessment of how he fits into the club’s squad structure.
The match was played at RAMS Park. The refereeing team consisted of Danny Makkelie (referee), Hessel Steegstra and Jan de Vries (assistant referees) from the Royal Dutch Football Association.
Galatasaray began the match in front of a fully packed stadium at RAMS Park.
In the early stages of the match, Galatasaray came close to scoring in the 6th minute with a shot from Yunus Akgün near the penalty area. In the 15th minute, Galatasaray took the lead: After Osimhen received the ball from Kenan Yıldız and passed it to Torreira, his cross to Lang was intercepted by Bremer. The rebound fell to Sara who finished to make it 1-0.
Juventus equalized in the 16th minute: After a cross from Cambiaso, Kalulu headed the ball back toward goal, and Koopmeiners completed the finish past goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır (1-1).
Juventus took the lead in the 32nd minute: Koopmeiners, after a one-two with McKennie, entered the penalty area and scored with a left diagonal shot to make it 2-1. The first half ended with Juventus leading 2-1.
Other notable attempts included Osimhen’s overhead shot going out for a corner in the 21st minute, Di Gregorio saving Osimhen’s header in the 29th minute, Conceiçao’s overhead shot going out for a corner in the 38th minute, and Sallai’s overhead shot going out for a corner in the 45+3 minute.
Galatasaray's goal celebration - Anadolu Ajansı
At the start of the second half, Galatasaray equalized in the 49th minute. After Torreira laid the ball off, Barış Alper Yılmaz shot, but Di Gregorio parried it; Lang then finished inside the six-yard box to make it 2-2.
Galatasaray regained the lead in the 60th minute: A free kick from Sara on the right diagonal found Sanchez, whose header inside the six-yard box found the net (3-2).
In the 75th minute, Galatasaray extended their lead: After a backpass from Thuram, Kelly controlled the ball, but Osimhen intervened, forcing Lang to finish in front of the six-yard line, making it 4-2.
In the closing stages, in the 86th minute, Osimhen received a pass from Sane on the right diagonal, played the ball to Boey, whose shot found the net to make it 5-2.
The pivotal turning points in the match’s scoring flow were Galatasaray’s 15th-minute goal, Juventus’s immediate response in the 16th minute, and Juventus’s 32nd-minute goal to end the first half ahead. In the second half, Galatasaray’s goals in the 49th and 60th minutes to regain the lead, followed by their two goals in the 75th and 86th minutes to extend the advantage, proved decisive.
Bremer’s injury, which forced him off the pitch, was one of the match’s key incidents. He was replaced by Federico Gatti in the 34th minute.
Galatasaray goals: Sara (15), Lang (49, 75), Sanchez (60), Boey (86). Juventus goals: Koopmeiners (16, 32).
Juventus’s Juan Cabal received a red card in the 67th minute. Additionally, Juventus’s Cambiaso (18) and head coach Luciano Spalletti (37) were shown yellow cards; Galatasaray’s Abdülkerim Bardakcı received a yellow card in the 43rd minute.
Cabal entered the match in the 46th minute, received a yellow card in the 59th minute for a foul on Barış Alper Yılmaz, and was sent off in the 67th minute after committing a second foul on Barış Alper, resulting in a second yellow card.
Due to his red card, Cabal will be suspended for the return leg. Additionally, Cambiaso received his third yellow card of the tournament in the 18th minute, rendering him suspended ahead of the return match.
Galatasaray (starting XI and substitutions): Uğurcan Çakır; Sallai, Sanchez, Abdülkerim Bardakcı (77 Singo), Jakobs (83 Eren Elmalı); Torreira, Sara; Barış Alper Yılmaz (77 Icardi), Yunus Akgün (70 Sane), Lang (83 Boey); Osimhen.
Juventus (starting XI and substitutions): Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Bremer (34 Gatti), Kelly, Cambiaso (46 Cabal); Thuram (81 Miretti), Locatelli, Koopmeiners; Conceiçao (70 Kostic), Kenan Yıldız (81 Openda), McKennie.
The match ended with Galatasaray defeating Juventus 5-2.
The return leg will be played on Wednesday, 25 February, in Turin.
Galatasaray head coach Okan Buruk and player Barış Alper Yılmaz made statements at a press conference held at the Kemerburgaz Metin Oktay Facilities on 16 February 2026 ahead of the first leg of the UEFA Champions League play-off round match against Juventus.
Buruk stated that the objective at the start of the season was to advance to the next round of the UEFA Champions League and that this goal would be pursued through the play-off stage. He highlighted the importance of the home advantage since the first match would be played in Istanbul and emphasized that the tie consists of two matches requiring strategic planning of the squad for both fixtures.
Juventus’s squad quality and technical capacity were acknowledged with the observation that although the opponent had failed to secure desired results in some recent matches they had maintained a consistent level of performance. It was noted that Galatasaray was in a better-rested condition compared to their opponent.
Galatasaray head coach Okan Buruk (AA)
The press conference noted that both teams tend to seek dominance over their opponents. Juventus was described as a team capable of applying high pressure from the front while Galatasaray was characterized by a playing style grounded in strong home performance. Within this framework the necessity of a balanced approach across both matches was stressed.
It was noted that Juventus can deploy various defensive structures including 3-4-3 4-4-2 or 5-3-2 formations depending on the match situation. Players such as Locatelli and McKennie were highlighted for their mobility and contribution to build-up play. Consequently the need for a cohesive and unified approach in both defensive and offensive organization was emphasized.
Defensive discipline was identified as decisive at the Champions League level with defensive organization gaining particular importance against strong opponents. Previous matches against Liverpool Bodo/Glimt and Atlético Madrid were cited as examples of varied defensive and pressing systems applied. It was also noted that squad depth is broader compared to previous seasons.
Leroy Sané has been sidelined for approximately 20 days following an injury sustained in the match against Manchester City but has recently resumed training with the team and is expected to be available for selection in the match.
Mario Lemina who is suspended for the first leg was described as an important player due to his physical strength and defensive contributions and is expected to return for the return leg.
Galatasaray footballer Barış Alper Yılmaz (AA)
Barış Alper Yılmaz stated that the match holds significance both for the club and the country. He confirmed that the team has completed its preparations for the fixture.
He acknowledged having personal contact with Kenan Yıldız who plays for Juventus but stated that no specific discussion regarding the match took place. He emphasized that individual goals and assists are secondary to team objectives and that he plays according to the instructions given by the head coach. Regarding the new signing Noa Lang he provided an assessment of how he fits into the club’s squad structure.
In the lead-up to the second-leg UEFA Champions League round of 16 tie between Juventus and Galatasaray, both clubs held press conferences as a central part of their preparation. At the stadium where the match would be played, Juventus’ head coach Luciano Spalletti and player Lloyd Kelly answered questions from media representatives. On the Galatasaray side, head coach Okan Buruk and footballer Victor Osimhen made statements during their respective pre-match press conference.
Galatasaray’s first-team head coach Okan Buruk stated that while the result from the first leg was important, no definitive outcome had yet been determined in the tie. He emphasized the need to maintain the same intensity and approach as in the first match, stressing that despite the advantage, there must be no drop in concentration or determination. He highlighted the opening phase of the match as critical, noting that Juventus would likely start strongly with the aim of advancing to the next round.
Okan Buruk (AA)
Buruk said Galatasaray would take to the pitch with a clear playing philosophy and insisted this approach must be imposed on the opponent from the first minute. He acknowledged Juventus’ strength, citing their talented players and experienced head coach, and stressed the necessity of playing as a unified team. He emphasized that the victory in the first leg must not lead to any mental or disciplinary relaxation in the second leg, and that the team would approach the match with the mindset that “nothing has been won yet.” Within this approach, he noted that defensive and offensive actions must always be considered together, and while the advantage is valuable, an overly advantage-focused game plan could increase difficulties.
Buruk’s remarks also included a personal dimension. He referenced his playing career in Italy, particularly during the early 2000s, a period widely regarded as one of Serie A’s strongest eras. He said facing Juventus held special meaning for him due to the weight of the opponent and the prospect of playing against an Italian club in Italy. He expressed his determination to reflect the same competitive spirit on the pitch in the second leg.
Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen predicted that the return leg would be extremely challenging and confirmed that the team was fully prepared to face the opponent. He stated that, as in the first leg, Galatasaray would not merely aim to preserve the current scoreline but would seek to play their own game aggressively. He confirmed that preparations had been completed with this objective in mind and highlighted the coordination between the technical staff and the team’s strategic planning.
Regarding his physical condition, Osimhen thanked the medical staff for their support, saying it enabled him to recover quickly. He rejected defining his contribution solely by goals, emphasizing the importance of assisting teammates and contributing defensively. He stated that his priority was to be the player who best supports the club’s objectives, and that he continuously works hard to achieve this goal.
Victor Osimhen (AA)
Osimhen’s comments also addressed team dynamics and communication. He admitted to embracing criticism, saying he had learned to live with it and acknowledged that he sometimes experienced negative emotions after failures. He stressed his efforts to motivate teammates, not only through words but also through his behavior on the pitch. He mentioned that some teammates, including Mario Lemina, Lucas Torreira and Abdülkerim Bardakcı, had come to him for motivation in the locker room. He expressed his deep loyalty to Galatasaray, stating that the club and team’s ultimate goal was to reach the highest level.
In his assessment of Juventus, Osimhen described the club as “one of the greatest in football history,” noting that he has played at the highest levels and alongside top players. He mentioned the possibility of playing for Juventus if Galatasaray were eliminated, subtly acknowledging uncertainty about his future while reaffirming that his current focus remains entirely on Galatasaray. He linked his approach to the challenge posed by Juventus defender Lloyd Kelly, stating his objective was to be an aggressive forward who disrupts defensive balance, and emphasized that he would not be alone in this effort, citing support from teammates Barış Alper Yılmaz and Noa Lang. He described the return leg as a “battle” and declared his determination to fight until the final whistle.
Osimhen also highlighted his view of the head coach. He said one reason Okan Buruk was present was his leadership, and described Buruk’s coaching style as serious and humble. He recalled working with Luciano Spalletti during his time at Napoli and offered evaluations of Spalletti’s discipline and commitment to hard work.
Juventus head coach Luciano Spalletti, at the press conference held at the Allianz Stadium, emphasized the team’s need for fan support. He said the contribution of the crowd in the Galatasaray match would be crucial and that the team needed the fans’ “heart.” He stated that the team becomes stronger when they feel the support of the crowd and stressed the importance of conveying determination and belief onto the pitch. He acknowledged that the team is going through a difficult period and added that the match against Galatasaray would also be challenging.
Spalletti addressed the condition of national team player Kenan Yıldız, noting that despite his young age, Yıldız is already seen as a “leader” within the team. He confirmed that Yıldız has participated in parts of training and said the player has clearly expressed his desire to play. He also stated that Brazilian defender Bremer is fit and available to start in the starting eleven.
Luciano Spalletti (AA)
Spalletti’s remarks also touched on criticism directed at goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio. He stressed the need for high concentration and acknowledged that performance dips can occur. He said the team as a whole accepts responsibility for criticism, pointing out that goals conceded often result from a chain of errors beyond the goalkeeper. He noted that the team lost the first leg due to a sequence of mistakes.
Spalletti evaluated the Galatasaray match alongside the upcoming Serie A fixture against Roma, stating that both games are equally important. He described both matches as “threats” to the team and defined them as serious tests. He emphasized the need to leave the past behind and focus entirely on the upcoming fixtures.
One of the key concepts highlighted by Spalletti in his press conference was “playing as a team.” He said the team does not aim for a radical change in style against Galatasaray but seeks to present a deeper and more mature version of their play. He emphasized the principle of “11 individuals becoming one team,” calling for a compact and cohesive style. He spoke of the critical impact of the first goal, saying “one goal can change everything.” He stated that the match will significantly influence the season’s trajectory and reiterated the need to mentally reset and start from zero after the previous encounter.
Regarding Filip Kostić, Spalletti said he had not given the player much playing time so far, noting that coaching decisions are often driven by necessity. He described Kostić as a professional player and highlighted his skill with his left foot, adding that expectations for him could rise depending on the circumstances. He emphasized learning from mistakes, underlining the pursuit of quality football and the importance of individual technical ability.
Juventus player Lloyd Kelly highlighted the advantages of playing at home and the importance of fan support. He said confidence rises when playing in front of the crowd, leading to a more assured performance, and stressed that the team needs the fans’ backing in the Galatasaray match. He acknowledged that the team is going through a difficult period, noting negative results in the last two or three matches, and emphasized the team’s unity as a “family.”
Lloyd Kelly (AA)
Kelly said Victor Osimhen delivered an excellent performance in the first leg and described him as an extraordinary player. He stated that the team is working hard to prevent Galatasaray from creating goal-scoring opportunities and emphasized that the second leg must not be treated like the first. He also noted that opponents have scored easily in recent matches and stressed the need for greater vigilance and organization.
In the second leg of the round of 16 playoff in European football’s most important club competition, Galatasaray advanced to the round of 16 by preserving the aggregate advantage gained from their 5-2 first-leg victory. The away match in Turin was recorded as a high-tempo encounter with periods of dominance shifting between the teams, extending through regular time and extra time. Galatasaray lost the match 3-2 on the night but progressed with a 7-5 aggregate advantage.
The match was played at the Allianz Stadium in Turin, Italy. This contest formed the second leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 tie, following Galatasaray’s 5-2 win in the first leg.
Juventus concluded the night with a 3-2 victory but were eliminated on aggregate with a 7-5 scoreline. Thus, Galatasaray advanced to the next round by maintaining their aggregate advantage.
The match was officiated by Portuguese referee João Pinheiro. The game ended 3-0 to Juventus in regular time, prompting extra time after the aggregate score was levelled.
Perin, Kalulu (109' Openda), Gatti, Kelly, McKennie, Koopmeiners, Locatelli (109' Kostic), Thuram (78' Adzic), Conceiçao (67' Zhegrova), David (67' Boga), Kenan Yıldız (103' Miretti)
Uğurcan Çakır, Sallai (59' Boey), Sanchez, Abdülkerim Bardakcı, Jakobs (87' Eren Elmalı), Torreira (103' Singo), Lemina (87' Icardi), Barış Alper Yılmaz, Sara (71' İlkay), Lang (59' Sane), Osimhen
Galatasaray starting XI (AA)" image-element-format="center" image-height="2667" image-source="https://cdn.t3pedia.org/media/uploads/2026/02/26/YiW14M097lOpl66a68xOEddHSkfg1kgZ.jpg" image-width="4000">
Hosts Juventus started strongly. In the 3rd minute, a cross from Kenan Yıldız on the left flank resulted in a header from Federico Gatti that went over the bar. In the 10th minute, a header from Koopmeiners following a cross from Conceiçao also failed to find the target.
In the 22nd minute, Manuel Locatelli’s shot from around 30 metres was saved by Uğurcan Çakır for a corner. Moments later, Conceiçao’s attempt from Kenan Yıldız’s cross struck the far post and went out of play. In the 30th minute, a pass from Thuram allowed Kenan Yıldız to shoot from the left side of the penalty area; the ball deflected off Davinson Sanchez toward goal, but Çakır made a last-ditch intervention.
Galatasaray responded in the 2nd minute when Sanchez headed a corner from Barış Alper Yılmaz, but goalkeeper Perin cleared it. In the 11th minute, Osimhen’s shot from a pass by Abdülkerim Bardakcı was also saved by Perin.
In the 37th minute, after Torreira fouled Thuram, a penalty was awarded. Manuel Locatelli converted the spot-kick to give Juventus a 1-0 lead. The first half ended with that scoreline.
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At the start of the second half, Lloyd Kelly received a direct red card after a challenge on Barış Alper Yılmaz following a VAR review, leaving Juventus with 10 men in the 48th minute. Despite this, the home side maintained their tactical discipline.
In the 55th minute, Kenan Yıldız’s shot from inside the penalty area was saved by Uğurcan Çakır for a corner. In the 63rd minute, a free kick from Locatelli resulted in a header from Gatti that narrowly went over the bar.
In the 70th minute, Kalulu’s cross from the left flank found Gatti at the back post, who scored to make it 2-0. In the 82nd minute, McKennie finished off a header from Koopmeiners to extend the lead to 3-0. With the aggregate score now level at 5-5, the match proceeded to extra time.
Juventus-Galatasaray match (AA)
In the first period of extra time, Zhegrova’s shot in the 96th minute narrowly went wide. In the 105+1 minute, Osimhen scored from inside the penalty area following a pass from Barış Alper Yılmaz, reducing the deficit to 3-1. This goal restored Galatasaray’s aggregate advantage.
Juventus-Galatasaray match (AA)
In the 110th minute, Uğurcan Çakır saved Zhegrova’s low shot from a tight angle. In the 118th minute, Barış Alper Yılmaz finished a through ball from Wilfried Singo to beat the goalkeeper and make it 3-2. The match ended with that scoreline, and Galatasaray progressed on aggregate.
Juventus-Galatasaray match (AA)
Victor Osimhen scored his 13th goal for Galatasaray in European competitions, becoming the club’s all-time top foreign scorer in European tournaments. This was his seventh goal in this season’s Champions League.
Juventus-Galatasaray match (AA)
Uğurcan Çakır prevented further goals with crucial saves in the 22nd, 30th, 66th and 110th minutes. Kenan Yıldız’s shot in the 79th minute struck the post.
Galatasaray have never won an away match in European competitions against Italian teams, with this being their eighth meeting with Juventus in European competition. This match marked their second defeat against Juventus in such fixtures.
Manager Okan Buruk expressed satisfaction at reaching the round of 16 but was critical of his team’s performance after the red card. He emphasized that the 5-2 result from the first leg was decisive and that qualification was secured thanks to the goals scored in extra time. He acknowledged that Juventus played better in this match and that his team must learn from the experience.
Barış Alper Yılmaz said the team felt the support of their fans despite falling 3-0 behind, admitting they did not play well but stressing that advancing to the next round was what mattered. He noted that the events on the pitch determined the match’s outcome.
Victor Osimhen stated that Juventus pushed them hard, scoring twice despite being down to 10 men, and that it was a difficult away game. He emphasized that fan support was decisive in their progression.
Following the match, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan called manager Okan Buruk to congratulate the team. Minister of Youth and Sports Osman Aşkın Bak visited the dressing room to meet the players. Barış Alper Yılmaz confirmed that he had been contacted by the President after the match.
President Erdoğan congratulates Galatasaray on advancing to the round of 16 in the Champions League (AA)" video-element-format="center" video-height="1080" video-source="https://cdn.t3pedia.org/media/uploads/2026/02/26/nPYDxyvYm1hkSJYLVa8BfbAMxp1UD4Bi.mp4" video-thumbnail-source="https://cdn.t3pedia.org/media/uploads/2026/02/26/Xo6D7YPNJ2fggy61bJnIopchdcBOeQNk.png" video-width="1920">
As a result of this second-leg encounter, Galatasaray advanced to the round of 16 in the UEFA Champions League, completing the two-leg playoff stage on aggregate advantage.
Galatasaray finished the league stage of the UEFA Champions League’s 36-team format with 10 points in 20th place and was drawn against Juventus in the round of 16 play-off. This match marked the club’s 337th appearance in European competitions. Galatasaray had previously faced Juventus six times, recording two wins, three draws, and one defeat. In the 2013-2014 season, they advanced to the round of 16 after defeating Juventus 1-0 in a match extended over two days due to heavy snowfall. Against Italian teams overall, Galatasaray has played 26 matches, achieving eight wins, ten draws, and eight losses, scoring 32 goals and conceding 38. Ahead of the round of 16 play-off, Mario Lemina was suspended at Galatasaray, while Arda Ünyay, Renato Nhaga, and Can Armando Güner were unavailable due to squad status. At Juventus, Dusan Vlahovic, Arkadiusz Milik, and Emil Holm were absent due to injury. This matchup represented a significant stage for Galatasaray, highlighting both its overall European performance and its competitive history against Italian clubs.
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February 16, 2026
Organization and Format
February 16, 2026
Pre-Match Press Conferences
February 18, 2026
Match Day and Stadium
February 18, 2026
First Half
February 18, 2026
Second Half
February 18, 2026
Key Moments
February 18, 2026
Goals
February 18, 2026
Referee Decisions
February 18, 2026
Lineups and Substitutions
February 18, 2026
Match Result
February 18, 2026
Return Leg
February 24, 2026
First Match
February 24, 2026
Pre-Match Press Conferences
February 25, 2026
Pre-Match Press Conferences
February 26, 2026
Venue and Competition Context
February 26, 2026
Lineups
February 26, 2026
First Half
February 26, 2026
Second Half
February 26, 2026
Extra Time
February 26, 2026
Player Performances and Statistical Data
February 26, 2026
Manager and Player Statements
February 26, 2026
Post-Match Congratulations