"Turkish football is going through a resurgence and Galatasaray arrive in Manchester this week aiming to prove they can be part of it. A burst of young talent led by Real Madrid's Arda Güler and Kenan Yildiz at Juventus helped Türkiye reach the quarterfinals of Euro 2024 -- the first time they had been past the group stage for more than 15 years. In March, there's a World Cup playoff to book a place at their first global tournament since finishing third in 2002."
"Galatasaray, one of Türkiye's "big three" club teams along with Fenerbahçe and Besiktas, are also battling history. Despite winning Türkiye's national title 26 times -- including in each of the last three years -- it's 12 years since they progressed past the Champions League's group stage. Okan Buruk's side have almost guaranteed their place in the top 24 this season thanks to a point at home against Atlético Madrid last time out."
Turkish football is experiencing a resurgence driven by young talents like Arda Güler and Kenan Yildiz, which helped Türkiye reach the Euro 2024 quarterfinals and earn a World Cup playoff in March. Galatasaray, one of Türkiye's 'big three', have won 26 national titles and three consecutive domestic championships but have not progressed past the Champions League group stage in 12 years. Galatasaray secured a point at home against Atlético Madrid that nearly guarantees a top-24 finish, allowing them to face Manchester City at the Etihad without qualification pressure. Manchester City rested key players to protect fitness for the Champions League tie.
Read at ESPN.com
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