Galatasaray 5–2 Juventus: Istanbul Erupts as Lions Take Control of Champions League Tie

Another glorious European night was written in Istanbul as Galatasaray delivered a breathtaking performance against Juventus, producing a seven-goal blockbuster in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League knockout tie.

Both sides struggled to protect their leads, but it was Galatasaray who ultimately seized control of the tie, carrying a commanding advantage into the return leg in Turin as they look to book their place in the last sixteen.

The opening 45 minutes unfolded in extraordinary fashion.

Galatasaray struck first through Gabriel Sara after relentless pressing from Victor Osimhen.

The Nigerian dispossessed Kenan Yıldız, and after slick involvement from Lucas Torreira and Noa Lang, the ball eventually fell to Sara, who curled a superb effort into the net to send the RAMS Park into pandemonium.

Juventus responded almost immediately. Pierre Kalulu’s header was parried by Uğurcan Çakır, and Teun Koopmeiners reacted quickest to fire home the rebound, restoring parity within moments.

Galatasaray continued to dominate possession. Osimhen came close in the 30th minute, connecting with Sara’s delivery, but Michele Di Gregorio gathered confidently.

Juventus, however, capitalised on a costly midfield mix-up between Torreira and Sara.

Koopmeiners combined brilliantly with Weston McKennie before unleashing a thunderous strike into the top corner, giving Çakır no chance and turning the game on its head before the break.

At half-time, Galatasaray trailed and the infamous UltrAslan supporters sensed their side needed lifting.

Galatasaray responded emphatically.

Just three minutes after the restart, Lucas Torreira battled fiercely in midfield, and though Barış Alper Yılmaz’s initial effort was saved by Di Gregorio, the rebound fell kindly to Noa Lang, who calmly equalised.

Momentum shifted instantly.

In the 59th minute, Gabriel Sara’s free-kick delivery found Davinson Sánchez, who guided home to restore Galatasaray’s lead. The foul leading to the set-piece a cynical tug by Juan Cabal on Barış Alper Yılmaz proved costly.

Moments later, Cabal received a second yellow card from referee Danny Makkelie, reducing Juventus to ten men and compounding their problems.

Galatasaray smelled blood.

In the 73rd minute, relentless pressing forced Juventus into another mistake. Khéphren Thuram, surrounded by Galatasaray shirts, attempted a risky pass under pressure. Victor Osimhen intercepted and squared for Noa Lang, who struck decisively to extend the advantage.

The Turkish giants were rampant.

Substitute Sacha Boey added further gloss to the scoreline after a well-timed combination involving Leroy Sané and Osimhen, who bullied his marker before Boey fired past Di Gregorio to complete a sensational night.

The final whistle confirmed a dramatic 5–2 victory and a commanding position heading into the second leg in Turin.

Juventus face a mountainous task to overturn the deficit, while Galatasaray fuelled by belief and the electric atmosphere of Istanbul are firmly in the driving seat.

Another unforgettable European night.

Advantage Galatasaray.