Tonight, as part of the second leg of the UEFA Champions League play-off round, the attention of Azerbaijani football fans will be focused on the "Allianz" stadium in Turin. Turkish representative "Galatasaray" will be the guest of Italian giant "Juventus". The unexpected and devastating 5-2 victory in the first match in Istanbul has fully opened the door to the next stage for the "Yellow-Reds". This magnificent advantage allows Okan Buruk's players to build a more comfortable and strategic game in Italy.
The current situation is entirely in favor of the Turkish club. Even if "Galatasaray" loses by two goals in Italy, they will be able to secure their place in the next stage by maintaining their overall advantage. The team's effectiveness in the attacking line, especially the brilliant form of Victor Osimhen and Noa Lang, promises a serious nightmare for the opposing defenders. Although the "Yellow-Reds" disappointed their fans by losing to "Konyaspor" in the last round of the domestic championship, they are showing completely different, more aggressive and motivated football in the European arena. The biggest weapon of the team is the ability of experienced players in the squad to remain calm in such critical moments.
In the "Juventus" camp, the situation is getting more and more tense. There are injured and suspended players in the team. Dusan Vlahovic is the team's main striker, but he has been out for a long time due to an adductor injury (injury to the inner muscle of the thigh) and is not expected to return sooner than the beginning of March. Arkadiusz Milik will also not be able to help the Turin club due to a calf injury. Juan Kabal and Andrea Cambiaso will watch the return match from the sidelines as they were suspended after receiving red and yellow cards in the first game. Although Gleison Bremer has a thigh injury, according to the latest information, the management and medical staff are trying to include him in the squad for this critical game. Kenan Yildiz's participation is still in question due to a muscle problem. It should be noted that the Italian media pointed to the Turkish striker as one of the culprits of the defeat in the previous game.
In short, the Turin representative is in a deep crisis, and this is reflected in both the playing style and the results. After the defeat in Istanbul, "Old Lady", who also lost at home to "Como" (0:2) in the Italian Serie A, has agreed to one draw and two defeats in the last five official matches. Dusan Vlahovic's silence in scoring goals and the lack of coordination in the defensive line are upsetting the head coach's plans. The Italians, who want to realize a miracle in front of their fans, are forced to take great risks from the first minutes, move forward and find an early goal.
However, it is precisely this mandatory attacking plan that unties "Galatasaray"'s hands. The wide gaps that the opponent will leave behind create ideal conditions for the Istanbul representative's fast counterattacks. Thanks to the pressing in the midfield and the speed in the transition game, the Turks intend not only to defend themselves in Turin, but also to punish the opponent in counterattacks. Against the background of disciplined play and tactical preparation, it is considered the most realistic scenario that "Galatasaray" will pass this difficult test with flying colors and continue its journey in Europe.