Galatasaray Stuns Juventus 5-2 in Champions League Thriller

Galatasaray has placed one foot in the Champions League Round of 16 following an emphatic 5-2 victory over Juventus in the first leg of their playoff tie. The match, which kicked off on February 25, 2026, saw Galatasaray build a substantial lead. Juventus, who conceded the opening goal early but managed to take the lead temporarily, ultimately succumbed to a disappointing result in Istanbul. This loss continues Juventus's challenging period, as they have now lost three consecutive matches across all competitions. Their recent home form has also faltered, ending a long unbeaten run in Serie A. Conversely, Galatasaray's strong performance in the first leg positions them favorably, especially given their historical success in UEFA knockout ties when holding a three-goal advantage from the first match. Striker Victor Osimhen is also nearing a club record for goals in a single Champions League campaign, adding to Galatasaray's positive outlook. Despite their strong position, Galatasaray's recent defeat to Konyaspor suggests they remain vulnerable as they prepare for the second leg in Italy, where Juventus will be determined to overturn the deficit.