Record night in the Champions League: Galatasaray dismantles Juventus – Strong series against Italians since 1963

Two records after 5:2: Galatasaray sets new standards. With the 5-2 home win against Juventus Turin, Galatasaray took a historic step in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League playoff round and opened the door wide to the next round. The evening brought two records: It was the yellow-reds' most decisive Champions League victory to date, and at the same time the club made Turkish football history. Galatasaray became the first Turkish team to score five goals in a European Cup match against an Italian opponent. WIth this outlook it should be easier for you to place a bet at bet mozambique for the upcoming matches.

The hits were spread across several heads, which underlines the character of this game: Gabriel Sara, Noa Lang (twice), Davinson Sanchez, and Sacha Boey scored against Juventus. It was precisely this mixture of individual quality and collective punch that made the difference. At the same time, it remains clear: the lead is large, but the decision will only be made in the return match.

Noa Lang with a brace and first entry in the club's history

Noa Lang played a special role, scoring the second and fourth goals and thus shaping the rhythm of the game. For the attacking player, it was not only a two-goal evening, but also a historic entry: Lang became the first player in Galatasaray's history to score a double in his first Champions League game for the club.

Such moments carry particular weight in knockout duels because they not only refine a result but also send a signal. Galatasaray showed that it can force goals from different zones and through different operations. Especially against a team like Juventus, this is a value that can once again be decisive in the return match.

Looking ahead to the round of 16: England as a possible next opponent

With the first leg victory, Galatasaray has created a starting position that already allows them to look forward. If the club eliminates Juventus in the return match, an opponent from England will be waiting in the round of 16. Liverpool FC or Tottenham Hotspur are in the draw.

One detail adds confidence: this season Galatasaray faced Liverpool in the league phase and won the duel 1-0. This is no guarantee of a new knockout miracle, but it is a clear indication that the yellow-reds can force results even against big names. That is exactly how the return match in Turin will be measured.

Series against Italian teams: Undefeated since 1963

The record night against Juventus also fits into a remarkable historical series: Galatasaray has not lost to Italian teams since January 23, 1963. At that time, the yellow-reds also lost to the Italians in the European Cup after a 1:3 home defeat against AC Milan in the following duel. Since then, the series has lasted for decades.

The record of this phase is strong: in 13 matches against Italian representatives, Galatasaray won nine and drew four. The club scored 25 goals at home and built on its reputation as an opponent that regularly puts pressure on Italian teams in Istanbul. The 5-2 win against Juventus is now the new pinnacle of this story.

In Turin, Lang's third meeting with Juve in a short period of time follows. In December, he and Napoli defeated the Old Lady 2-1. "I've played against Juventus in Naples before. It's a difficult team to play."

In addition to Victor Osimhen, who shone with two assists against Juve, another former Neapolitan, Lang, also impressed. After scoring just one goal in 18 Serie A matches in the first half of the season, the Dutchman scored his first brace in a Galatasaray jersey against the Old Lady: "That wasn't my best performance. It could have gone better. Of course I scored two goals and I think we played a good game as a team." A statement that reads like a "threat" to the competition.

We must not rest on our laurels.- Okan Buruk

After the traffic light ticket for Juan Cabal, the hosts also benefited from a surplus of over 20 minutes. Buruk: "Even after the opponent was down to ten, we played the game correctly and extended the lead. What pleased me most was that my players continued to apply pressure regardless of the score."

Galatasaray, which also defeated Liverpool FC (1-0) in front of its home crowd this season, fired a whopping 22 shots on goal, dominating with 62 percent possession, and winning 58 percent of the challenges.

A blueprint for the return match - but one that you don't rest on. "In football, anything is possible. We lost the first half 1-2, but with the second half we won 5-2," Buruk emphasized. "That's why we can't rest on our laurels, but must focus on the second game. Of course, if we move forward, we will celebrate even bigger."

Coach Okan Buruk had plenty of reason to rejoice after the victory: "I think this was an important evening for my players as well as for me and Galatasaray's history," the 52-year-old explained on the club website, but warned: "To crown this, we must also play the second game with the same ambition, focus, and enthusiasm."