Juventus face an uphill task on Wednesday evening as they attempt to overturn a three-goal deficit against Galatasaray in the UEFA Champions League playoff second leg at the Allianz Stadium.
Juventus vs Galatasaray – Match preview and team news
- Date: Wednesday, 25th February.
- Kick-off: 8pm BST.
- Venue: Allianz Stadium, Torino.
Juventus team news
Juventus head into the decisive second leg severely depleted across multiple positions. Defender Juan Cabal remains suspended following his red card in Istanbul, while Andrea Cambiaso must serve a one-match ban after accumulating three yellow cards in the Champions League campaign.
Full-back Emil Holm is ruled out with a foot injury sustained during the Derby d’Italia against Inter.
Dusan Vlahovic remains sidelined after undergoing surgery. Arkadiusz Milik continues his lengthy absence, having not played competitively since May 2024.
The one positive note concerns Gleison Bremer. After being substituted in the first leg due to a right thigh issue, scans at J Medical revealed no serious injury, with the centre-back being evaluated day-to-day.
Jonathan David, who missed the first leg with groin discomfort, has recovered and is expected to lead the line.
Galatasaray team news
Galatasaray approach the second leg with their own concerns, particularly regarding star striker Victor Osimhen. The Nigerian missed Galatasaray’s league defeat to Konyaspor at the weekend due to knee discomfort, raising doubts about his availability for the Turin trip.
However, Osimhen has traveled with the squad and confirmed his fitness, telling Sky Sport Italia: “My knee is fine, thank you. I have a little pain in my knee, that is the reason why I didn’t play the last league game, but thanks to the medical team, I am back with the squad and looking forward to facing Juve.”
Mario Lemina, who missed the first leg through suspension after accumulating three yellow cards in the league phase, returns to the matchday squad and should partner Gabriel Sara in midfield. Metehhan Baltaci is also suspended.
Form
Juventus
Luciano Spalletti’s side enters the second leg in alarming form, having lost four of their last five competitive fixtures. Most recently, they suffered a damaging 2-0 home defeat to Como, a result that intensified the pressure on Spalletti and his squad.
Before that, the Bianconeri lost 3-2 to Inter in a controversial Derby d’Italia, drew 2-2 with Lazio at home, and were comprehensively beaten 3-0 by Atalanta.
Galatasaray
They produced a stunning 5-2 victory over Juventus in the first leg, with Gabriel Sara opening the scoring before Noa Lang’s second-half brace and goals from Davinson Sánchez and Sacha Boey sealed the emphatic win.
Before that triumph, they demolished Eyüpspor 5-1 at home and secured a 3-0 away win at Rizespor. However, their momentum was disrupted by a shock 2-0 defeat to Konyaspor last weekend.
Predicted lineups
Juventus: Perin; Gatti, Bremer, Kelly; McKennie, Locatelli, Thuram, Kostic; Conceicao, Yildiz; David
Galatasaray: Cakir; Sallai, Bardakci, Sanchez, Jakobs; Torreira, Sara; Yilmaz, Akgun, Lang; Osimhen
How to watch Juventus vs Galatasaray?
UK fans can watch the match on TNT Sports 3, TNT Sports 5, discovery+, discovery+ App.
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