Tonight, Tuesday, February 17, 2026, Istanbul is the epicenter of European football as Galatasaray host Luciano Spalletti’s Juventus in the first leg of their Champions League knockout playoff. The narrative is rich with history: it has been 12 years since Wesley Sneijder’s 85th-minute winner in the snow sent the "Old Lady" crashing out of the competition at this very ground.
For Galatasaray, this is their first knockout appearance since that 2013/14 campaign. For Juventus, under the new guidance of Spalletti, it is about restoring continental pride after a disappointing domestic weekend in the Derby d'Italia. With the second leg set for Turin, the "Lions" know they must secure a significant advantage tonight to survive the raucous atmosphere they themselves create.
Form Guide: The Turkish Steamroller vs. The Italian Search for Rhythm
Galatasaray (W-W-W-W-L): Okan Buruk’s side has been untouchable domestically in February, racking up four consecutive wins and scoring 15 goals in the process. Their most recent outing, a 5-1 demolition of Eyüpspor, showcased an attack firing on all cylinders. Despite a tame 2-0 loss to Manchester City to close the league phase, Galatasaray's home form is their greatest asset; they have lost just one of their last 11 European matches at Rams Park.
Juventus (L-D-L-W-D): Life under Spalletti has been an "enthralling watch," yet results have been frustratingly inconsistent. Juventus arrives in Turkey reeling from a "cruel" 3-2 loss to Inter Milan in the Derby d'Italia. While they ended the league phase with three consecutive clean sheets, they have struggled on the road recently, conceding three goals in each of their last two away outings. The playoff round has become a "consolation prize" they are determined not to fumble like they did against PSV last season.
Tactical Key Insights & Team News
1. The Osimhen focal point:
Victor Osimhen is the undisputed star of the show. With 6 goals in 8 Champions League appearances this season, the Nigerian striker is Galatasaray's primary weapon. Tactically, Buruk is expected to deploy a 4-2-3-1 designed to maximize vertical attacking speed. The battle between Osimhen and Juventus’ Bremer will be the game's decisive individual duel.
2. Spalletti’s Tactical Reshuffle:
With Dušan Vlahović (adductor) and Arkadiusz Milik sidelined, the goal-scoring burden shifts to summer arrival Jonathan David. Juventus will likely employ a 4-2-3-1, focusing on high-intensity wing play through Kenan Yıldız, who returns to his homeland for the first time as a Juve star. The midfield battle will be anchored by Manuel Locatelli, who must weather the storm of the Istanbul crowd to dictate the tempo.
3. Defensive Voids:
Galatasaray is without Mario Lemina (suspended) and Metehan Baltacı (suspended), leaving a void in the defensive midfield. Gabriel Sara is expected to step in to anchor the build-up. Juventus, meanwhile, welcomes back Pierre Kalulu after a controversial domestic red card, providing a much-needed boost to a backline that has looked shaky under pressure.
Coach Pre-Conference Snapshot
Okan Buruk (Galatasaray): "Our goal was the top eight, but the playoffs are a major opportunity. We know Juventus are strong, but they have been unlucky lately. We have the advantage of playing at home first; we want to win and celebrate with our fans. The qualification won't be decided today, but we want the advantage."
Luciano Spalletti (Juventus): Spalletti is expected to demand a reaction after the Inter loss. He has emphasized the need for "defensive discipline" in what he acknowledges will be a "hostile environment." His focus is on the second leg in Turin, but he knows a heavy loss in Istanbul would be catastrophic.
Key Players
Galatasaray: Victor Osimhen. His 75% shot accuracy and ability to bully center-backs make him the most dangerous player on the pitch. If he gets isolation against Kelly or Bremer, Galatasaray will score.
Juventus: Kenan Yıldız. The young Turkish international will be under immense emotional pressure but possesses the "unpredictable" flair needed to unlock a Galatasaray defense that has conceded in 17 of its last 18 home European games.
Prediction
Galatasaray to win 1-0
