The first leg of the 2025/26 Champions League play-off tie between Galatasaray (Turkey) and Juventus (Italy) will take place on 17 February at Rams Park in Istanbul. Galatasaray vs Juventus: prediction, betting odds and statistics.
Galatasaray
Galatasaray struggled in the second half of the league phase, suffering three goalless defeats and drawing once. However, the three wins recorded between matchdays two and four proved enough to secure a place in the play-offs. The home team finished 20th and will feature in Champions League knockout football in the main competition for the first time since the 2013/14 season. Interestingly, the Turkish side have fared well against Italian opposition—Galatasaray have avoided defeat in 14 of their last 17 European matches (seven wins and seven draws). In addition, the club are unbeaten at home against Serie A representatives across 11 European fixtures (seven wins and four draws).
- The Turkish side have failed to win 11 of their last 14 Champions League matches (two draws and nine defeats).
- At least one of the teams failed to score in five of Galatasaray’s last seven games in this competition.
- On their own ground, the Istanbul outfit have avoided defeat in eight of their last 11 Champions League matches (five wins and three draws).
Potential Galatasaray Lineup (4-2-3-1)
Ugurcan Cakir – Roland Sallai, Davinson Sanchez, Abdulkerim Bardakci, Evren Elmali – Lucas Torreira, Ilkay Gundogan – Yunus Akgun, Leroy Sane, Baris Yilmaz – Victor Osimhen.
Midfielder Mario Lemina will miss the match due to suspension.
Juventus
Juventus, by contrast, made a poor start to the league phase, losing to Real Madrid (0:1) and drawing three times. Across the next four matchdays, the visitors recorded three wins and one draw. The team ultimately finished 13th and progressed to the play-offs. Notably, Juventus will feature in the Champions League play-offs for the 10th time in the last 12 seasons. It is also worth pointing out that the Turin side have lost only two of their previous 10 European matches against Turkish clubs (five wins and three draws), with both defeats inflicted by Galatasaray.
- Juventus have kept clean sheets in their last three Champions League matches.
- No more than two goals were scored in five of the Italians’ previous six games in this European competition.
- Juventus have failed to win seven of their last eight away matches in the Champions League (five draws and two defeats).
Potential Juventus Lineup (4-5-1)
Michele Di Gregorio – Andrea Cambiaso, Federico Gatti, Lloyd Kelly, Pierre Kalulu – Francisco Conceicao, Khephren Thuram, Manuel Locatelli, Teun Koopmeiners, Kenan Yildiz – Jonathan David.
Referee
Danny Makkelie (Netherlands)
Matches – 11 (International matches, 2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 29;
Average yellow cards per match – 2.6;
Red cards shown – 1;
Fouls per match on average – 23;
Penalties – 55%.
Galatasaray vs Juventus: Match Prediction
It is interesting that the Turin side have struggled against this opponent. In the last six head-to-head European meetings, the Italians have managed just one win (three draws and two defeats). And judging by the current indicators of both sides, the hosts have a decent chance of once again avoiding defeat against the more illustrious opponent.
Galatasaray have lost only one of their last four home Champions League matches (two wins and one draw). Moreover, the Istanbul club have been outstanding at their stadium, where they have suffered just two defeats in their last 45 competitive matches (32 wins and 11 draws). That will make it extremely difficult for the Italians to avoid defeat in Istanbul.
In addition, Juventus have not been as strong on the road, winning only two of their last 14 away Champions League matches. Taking all of the above into account, we prefer the following selection.
Prediction: Galatasaray, double chance
