Juventus will host Galatasaray at the Allianz Stadium on Wednesday for the second leg of their UEFA Champions League knockout playoff as they look to bounce back from their disappointing first-leg performance.
History offers little encouragement for Juventus, as only four teams have ever recovered from a three-goal first-leg deficit in a Champions League knockout tie.
The Bianconeri will require something extraordinary to keep their campaign alive and avoid an exit after suffering a 5-2 defeat against Galatasaray in the first leg.
Their current trajectory does not inspire confidence either, with four defeats in their last five competitive matches. A 2-0 setback at home to Como over the weekend has further increased pressure, leaving them barely holding onto a top-six position in Serie A.
Despite those struggles, there is a glimmer of hope at home in Europe. Juventus are unbeaten in their last four UCL matches on their own ground this season. Still, overturning such a heavy aggregate deficit would need something special.
On the other side, Galatasaray also suffered a domestic stumble, falling 2-0 to Konyaspor after thrashing the Old Lady during the week. They have lost a bit of momentum in the Turkish title race, with the defeat ending a five-match winning streak.
However, heading into the second leg against Juventus, they have a three-goal advantage, with Cimbom aiming to reach the Champions League round of 16. However, back-to-back away losses in European competition show that they can lose their lead.
Read our Juventus vs Galatasaray predictions and preview to find out, but remember to also check our other Champions League predictions.
Contents
Juventus vs Galatasaray prediction: Expect a draw
Key statistics
- Three of Juventus' last five meetings have had BTTS scored and over 2.5 goals were scored in those games.
- Juventus have not lost at home to Galatasaray in their last three meetings.
- Over 4.5 cards have been received in their last two meetings.
Correct score prediction: Juventus 2-2 Galatasaray
We expect a high-scoring encounter in Turin but predict a 2-2 draw that will see Galatasaray progress on aggregate. While Juventus will likely throw everything forward to repair the damage from the first leg, their defensive vulnerabilities have been exposed recently.
We believe the home side will find the net at least twice, given their desperate need for goals, but the counter-attacking threat of the visitors will be difficult to contain for the full 90 minutes.
In the first leg, Galatasaray managed to score five times against a leaky Juventus defence, and we expect a similar open game on Wednesday. We are confident that the Turkish side will find spaces to score and secure the result they need to advance.
Pre-match odds and win probability: Juventus are clear favourites
- Home: 1/2 (1.50) – 66.7%
- Draw: 18/5 (4.60) – 21.7%
- Away: 19/4 (5.75) – 17.2%
*Odds provided by Ladbrokes. Subject to change.*
Juventus head into this fixture as strong favourites, with odds of 1.50 implying a 66.7% probability of a home win. The market reflects confidence in their quality and experience at this level.
Galatasaray are priced at 5.75, giving them a 17.2% chance of an away victory, while the draw sits at 4.60 (21.7%), suggesting that a stalemate is possible, but Juventus are expected to dominate.
Most recent head-to-head: Galatasaray hold the advantage
Looking at the history between these two sides, the record shows that the visitors have had the recent advantage. The last five meetings between the two teams have seen the Turkish side win thrice, Juventus win once, and two matches end in draws.
In their most recent clash just last week, Galatasaray secured a 5-2 victory in Istanbul, which followed a 1-0 home win for the Turkish side in 2013. Other notable results include the 2-2 draw in Turin during the 2013 group stages and a 2-0 win for Galatasaray in 2003.
UEFA Champions League 17/02/26
Galatasaray
Juventus
After reviewing our key Juventus vs Galatasaray predictions, be sure to visit our website for the remaining football betting tips today.
Juventus preview: Defensive boost but attacking concerns linger
Juventus could be handed a timely boost as defensive stalwart Bremer closes in on a return after limping out of last week’s defeat with a thigh injury and missing the subsequent loss to Como.
Pierre Kalulu is also back after serving a controversial Serie A suspension. However, the Old Lady will be without three full-backs. Emil Holm is injured, while Juan Cabal and Andrea Cambiaso are both suspended.
In attack, first-choice striker Jonathan David missed the trip to Turkey and was only fit enough for a brief cameo last weekend, so it remains unclear whether he will start alongside Turkish talent Kenan Yildız.
Long-term absentees Dusan Vlahovic and Arkadiusz Milik remain sidelined, further limiting options in the final third.
Predicted lineup: Perin (GK), Gatti, Bremer, Kelly, McKennie, Locatelli, Thuram, Kostic, Conceicao, Yildiz & David
Last five fixtures
- 21.02.26 – Juventus 0–2 Como (Serie A)
- 17.02.26 – Galatasaray 5–2 Juventus (Champions League)
- 14.02.26 – Inter 3–2 Juventus (Serie A)
- 08.02.26 – Juventus 2–2 Lazio (Serie A)
- 05.02.26 – Atalanta 3–0 Juventus (Coppa Italia)
Galatasaray preview: Osimhen set to lead the line
Galatasaray could make a key change in attack, as former Inter Milan striker Mauro Icardi, who started in Konya, is expected to make way for ex-Napoli forward Victor Osimhen.
The Nigerian star needs two more goals to equal the club’s record for a single Champions League campaign. In midfield, Mario Lemina returns from suspension and is set to face his former club.
Predicted lineup: Cakir (GK), Sallai, Bardakci, Sanchez, Jakobs, Torreira, Sara, Yilmaz, Akgun, Lang & Osimhen
Last five fixtures
- 21.02.26 – Konyaspor 2–0 Galatasaray (Super Lig)
- 17.02.26 – Galatasaray 5–2 Juventus (Champions League)
- 13.02.26 – Galatasaray 5–1 Eyupspor (Super Lig)
- 08.02.26 – Rizespor 0–3 Galatasaray (Super Lig)
- 04.02.26 – Galatasaray 3–1 Istanbulspor AS (Turkish Cup)
Player to watch: Victor Osimhen
Victor Osimhen is currently the most dangerous player for the visiting team and he will likely play a massive role in securing their progression. He has been in sensational form over his last five games, where he has scored two goals and provided five assists.
The Nigerian striker was a constant menace in the first leg, providing two assists, and his ability to run behind the Juventus defence will be the primary threat on the counter-attack.
He is currently playing with confidence and we expect him to exploit the spaces left by a Juventus team that must commit bodies forward from the first whistle.