Galatasaray vs Juventus: Gündoğan’s Istanbul return and Osimhen’s Champions League mission
Galatasaray host Juventus in the first leg of the Champions League knockout play-off at RAMS Park on Tuesday evening (ET), a tie that carries big personal stakes for some and big tactical questions for both managers. The hosts will lean on veteran midfielder İlkay Gündoğan’s leadership and Victor Osimhen’s goal threat, while Juventus look to blunt those strengths and take a decisive advantage back to Turin for the return leg.
Gündoğan’s dream move and leadership role
İlkay Gündoğan has described his summer transfer as the fulfilment of a childhood dream: growing up idolising the club, he never imagined wearing the shirt and competing in the Champions League in front of the home crowd. Now 35, he brings not only pedigree — having captained a Champions League-winning side in 2023 — but a clear vision of how he can influence Galatasaray in Europe.
Gündoğan underlined that his method is to lead by example on the pitch, emphasising movement, connection and collective organisation. In a competition where marginal details decide outcomes, his presence promises composure in transition and a calming influence on younger players who are still layering their continental experience.
Coach and teammates are expected to rely on his game management in tight moments, particularly when Juventus press or when Galatasaray need to protect a narrow lead. His experience of two earlier finals and eventual triumph gives him credibility when setting standards for concentration and defensive responsibility across the team.
Tactical battle: Osimhen’s scoring bid and Juventus’ plan
Victor Osimhen has been the standout attacking figure for Galatasaray this season, netting six goals in six Champions League outings and sitting just two short of the club’s single-season record in the competition. That scoring rhythm makes him the primary focus for Juventus’ defensive planning.
Galatasaray have been linked with striking continuity up front, and Okan Buruk may stick with the in-form partnership that has produced results. New additions such as Noa Lang, Yáser Asprilla and Sacha Boey add attacking variety and depth, allowing the hosts to switch between a front-facing threat and a more congested midfield setup if required.
From the visitors’ side, tactical discipline and organisation will be paramount. Juventus have closed their campaign with encouraging results, winning three of their final five outings before the knockout phase, and will favour a pragmatic approach: deny space to Osimhen, force Galatasaray into wider channels and look to exploit transitions. The fact that Juventus host the second leg gives them some margin for maneuver — a draw or narrow defeat in Istanbul can still be reversed at home.
Key moments to watch in the first leg (Tuesday evening ET)
- Set-piece battles: With a forward like Osimhen and tall Juventus defenders, dead-ball situations could decide the tie.
- Midfield control: Gündoğan’s ability to influence tempo and shield the back line will shape whether Galatasaray can sustain attacking pressure.
- Substitution strategy: Both managers have fresh attacking options, and timely changes could swing momentum late in the match.
- Discipline and mentality: A suspension or an early sending-off would dramatically alter the two-legged dynamic, especially with the second leg in Turin.
This first encounter in Istanbul promises intensity and narrative: a hometown return for a decorated midfielder, a striker chasing club history, and two tacticians attempting to tilt a tie that will likely be decided on fine margins. Expect a tightly fought first leg that sets up a compelling second act in Turin.
