Juventus Face Monumental Task Against Galatasaray in Champions League Second Leg

Luciano Spalletti’s Juventus prepare for an almost inconceivable task against Galatasaray on home soil.

Juventus look to overturn a three-goal deficit and progress to the last sixteen of Europe’s most coveted competition. The Bianconeri welcome their Turkish opponents to the Allianz Stadium in the decisive second leg of this Champions League play-off tie.

Juventus endured a humiliating defeat in Istanbul in midweek and carried their European misery into domestic disappointment, falling at home to Cesc Fàbregas’ Como. It has been a damaging few weeks for Spalletti’s side: elimination from the Coppa Italia at the hands of Atalanta, defeat to Como, and three consecutive losses in all competitions. Their Serie A campaign has also faltered, with six league defeats so far.

Juve desperately require a dramatic reversal of fortune as they enter Wednesday night’s contest trailing by three goals a comeback not achieved by an Italian side since AS Roma’s famous “Remontada” eight years ago. On that night in 2018, Roma overturned a 4-1 first-leg defeat against Barcelona by winning 3-0 at the Stadio Olimpico, progressing in extraordinary fashion. Juventus now seek inspiration from that history.

Galatasaray in Control But Not Without Pressure

Despite holding a commanding advantage, Galatasaray arrive in Turin facing their own domestic concerns. Okan Buruk’s side suffered their second Turkish Super League defeat of the season over the weekend, ending a ten-game unbeaten run at the hands of Konyaspor. The manager rotated heavily, resting six players who started the first leg, including Davinson Sánchez and Noa Lang.

Buruk will hope Nigerian talisman Victor Osimhen recovers in time for Wednesday’s clash after missing the weekend fixture with a knee issue. Osimhen remains the only major doubt for the decisive leg as Galatasaray aim to reach the Champions League last sixteen for the first time since the 2013-14 season.

History favours the Turkish giants in this fixture. Juventus have not beaten Galatasaray in their last seven meetings. Their most recent victory came back in 2003, when Alessandro Del Piero scored twice in a 2-1 group-stage win.

Juventus Injury Woes and Defensive Crisis

For the Vecchia Signora, overturning a three-goal deficit would already be daunting. The task becomes even more complicated given the injury list.

Jonathan David and Dušan Vlahović remain sidelined with muscle injuries, while several defensive options are unavailable. Juan Cabal is suspended after his red card in the first leg. Emil Holm continues to recover from a calf injury, and Bremer remains doubtful after sustaining a thigh issue.

With 15 goals conceded in their last five matches across all competitions, Juventus’ defensive frailty has become a defining concern. Teun Koopmeiners may be required to drop deeper, potentially partnering Federico Gatti and Lloyd Kelly in a reshaped backline.

Given the circumstances, this fixture feels truly “do or die” for Juventus. The scale of the challenge borders on the impossible but European nights have a way of rewriting expectation.