"Starting with the hosts, although Galatasaray might have drastically failed to find any kind of stability during their European charge this season, the Turkish icons did drag themselves to a play-off finish. Knowing the importance of claiming a first-leg advantage on Tuesday night, Okan Buruk's side are enjoying what has become an extended domestic flurry. With their sights set on defending their Super Lig crown in 2026, the Lions have won each of their previous four appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 15-2 and they have certainly found a real clinical edge in the final third."
"Likewise, registering 55 goals in their 22 domestic showdowns this season, no team among Turkey's elite can boast a better attacking return. Claiming a famous 1-0 victory against Premier League giants Liverpool back in September, Buruk's camp will be desperate to snatch another heavyweight scalp in midweek."
"Once again missing out against Eyupspor over the weekend and not featuring in any of Galatasaray's previous four domestic outings, it remains to be seen if former Bayern Munich ace Leroy Sane will play any part here. However, making just a cameo appearance on Friday, Turkish international Baris Alper Yilmaz should be handed a full recall. Notching a stellar Super Lig hat-trick last time out and now registering five goals in his last four outings, skipper Mauro Icardi will be hoping to keep his spot from the start. Arriving on a free switch last summer, ex-Manchester City super Ilkay Gundogan should start in the middle of the park on Tuesday night."
Galatasaray will host Juventus in the Champions League play-off first leg in Istanbul. Galatasaray struggled for European stability this season but secured a play-off place and are enjoying a rich domestic run under Okan Buruk. The Lions have won their last four matches across all competitions by an aggregate 15-2 and have scored 55 goals in 22 domestic fixtures. Leroy Sane remains doubtful after recent absences while Baris Alper Yilmaz looks set for a recall. Mauro Icardi has five goals in his last four games and Ilkay Gundogan is expected to start in midfield. Juventus opened 2026 aiming to mount a Serie A title charge.
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