The Matchday 3 clash in the 2025/26 Champions League group stage between Galatasaray (Turkey) and Bodø/Glimt (Norway) will take place on October 22 at the Ali Sami Yen Stadium in Istanbul. Galatasaray vs. Bodø/Glimt: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Galatasaray
The Turkish side started the group stage with a surprising heavy defeat away to Eintracht (1-5). This result extended their winless streak in the tournament to seven matches (1 draw and 6 losses). However, in the last round, they ended this poor run by sensationally defeating Liverpool 1-0 at home. After two matches, the club is currently in 21st place. It's also worth noting that the Istanbul team has scored in 22 of their last 23 European home games.
- At least 3 goals have been scored in 9 of Galatasaray's last 12 Champions League games.
- Both teams scored in 9 of the Turkish club's last 12 matches in this tournament.
- The Istanbul side is unbeaten in their last 6 home matches in European competitions (4 wins and 2 draws).
Predicted lineup for Galatasaray (4-2-3-1)
Uğurcan Çakır – Davinson Sánchez, Abdülkerim Bardakcı, Wilfried Singo, Evren Elmalı – Lucas Torreira, Mario Lemina – Ilkay Gündoğan, Barış Yılmaz, Leroy Sané – Victor Osimhen.
Bodø/Glimt
The Scandinavian side performed well in both of their group stage matches so far. They drew both games: away against Sparta Prague and at home against Tottenham (both 2-2). The team currently sits in 24th place in the standings. Additionally, in their last 10 matches in this European competition, the Norwegians have suffered only 2 defeats (6 wins and 2 draws).
- At least 3 goals have been scored in 6 of the Norwegians' last 7 Champions League games.
- Both teams scored in 5 of Bodø/Glimt's last 7 matches in this tournament.
- The Norwegians have only 2 wins in their last 10 away matches in the Champions League (2 draws and 6 losses).
Predicted lineup for Bodø/Glimt (4-3-3)
Nikita Haikin – Fredrik Sjøvold, Odin Bjørtuft, Haitam Aleesami, Fredrik Bjørkan – Patrick Berg, Sondre Fet, Håkon Evjen – Ole Blomberg, Jens Petter Hauge, Kasper Heg.
Referee
Michael Oliver (England)
Matches – 20 (International matches, 2024/25–2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 86;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.3;
Red cards shown – 3;
Average fouls per match – 24;
Penalties – 30%.
Match Prediction: Galatasaray vs. Bodø/Glimt
In the upcoming match, I favor the hosts. The Istanbul side is very strong at their home ground, where they are unbeaten in 29 consecutive official matches (21 wins and 8 draws). They also perform well against Norwegian clubs, having not lost in 3 consecutive home games in European competitions (2 wins and 1 draw). The reigning English champions, Liverpool, experienced Galatasaray's strength at home, losing 0-1 in Istanbul.
I also expect a high-scoring affair in this match. The Turks consistently score at home in the Champions League (in 9 of their last 10 games) while also conceding frequently (in 5 of their last 6 home matches). The Norwegians are predominantly a home team, with mediocre away performances in this tournament. Nevertheless, the Scandinavians have scored in 6 of their last 7 away matches in the Champions League but have also conceded in 9 of their last 10 away games in this European competition.
My prediction: Galatasaray to win and Total over 2.5 goals
