Key Takeaways:
- Galatasaray secured progression to the UEFA Champions League last 16 for the first time in 12 years, advancing 7-5 on aggregate despite a 3-2 defeat after extra time in Turin
- Juventus played with ten men following Lloyd Kelly’s red card early in the second half but still battled back to force extra time
- The Turkish champions will face either Liverpool or Tottenham Hotspur in the round of 16, with the draw set for Friday
Match Overview
Galatasaray booked their place in the UEFA Champions League knockout stages for the first time since 2012 following a pulsating contest at the Allianz Stadium. Despite Juventus overturning a three-goal deficit and playing much of the second half with ten men, the visitors ultimately did enough to win 7-5 on aggregate over two legs, despite a 3-2 defeat after extra time on the night.
Round of 16, here we come.#JUVEGS #UCL pic.twitter.com/i9yhv00NYI
— Galatasaray EN (@Galatasaray) February 25, 2026
First-Half Action: Chances at Both Ends
The Bianconeri, trailing by three goals after the first leg, launched the second leg with considerable urgency. Just two minutes in, Davinson Sánchez nearly gave Galatasaray the perfect start, but Mattia Perin denied the defender’s header with a smart save. Moments later, Federico Gatti had a clear chance to erode Galatasaray’s lead but directed his close-range header over the bar. Juventus continued to threaten, with Teun Koopmeiners also failing to find the target with a dangerous header, while Perin was called into action again at the other end, producing an impressive stop to prevent Victor Osimhen from extending the Turkish side’s aggregate advantage.
Kenan Yıldız went close on the half-hour with a deflected effort, only to be denied by a superb save from Uğurcan Çakır. Galatasaray appeared to withstand the onslaught until, with less than ten minutes before the interval, Juventus were awarded a penalty after Khéphren Thuram was felled by Lucas Torreira. The Juventus skipper, Manuel Locatelli, calmly dispatched the resulting spot-kick, offering his side hope for the second period.
Turn of Events: Red Card and Juventus Fightback
However, Juventus’ momentum abruptly halted mere minutes into the second half, as Lloyd Kelly was dismissed for a reckless challenge. Despite being a man down, the hosts maintained their attacking intent, with Yıldız going close again, firing narrowly wide.
Still undeterred, the Italian side drew inspiration from their home fans. Federico Gatti levelled the tie on the night with 20 minutes remaining, finishing coolly inside a fervent Allianz Stadium. With time running down, Yıldız struck the post from close range, the Turkish defence coming under incessant pressure. Their resistance was finally broken in the 82nd minute when Weston McKennie headed home from close range, bringing the aggregate score level and propelling the tie into extra time.
Extra Time and Late Drama
With both sides visibly fatigued, Juventus missed a golden opportunity in the opening period of extra time when McKennie unselfishly set up substitute Edon Zhegrova, who fired wide with only the goalkeeper to beat. That miss proved critical; just before the interval, Victor Osimhen capitalised on space inside the area and finished clinically through Perin’s legs, recording his seventh goal of the Champions League campaign to silence the home supporters.
Galatasaray sealed the tie in the closing stages, as Baris Alper Yilmaz broke away to score, all but confirming their passage to the round of 16 and extinguishing Juventus hopes of another comeback.
| Aggregate Score | Second Leg Score (AET) | Man of the Match | Red Card |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7-5 (Galatasaray advances) | Juventus 3-2 Galatasaray | Manuel Locatelli (Juventus) | Lloyd Kelly (Juventus) |
What’s Next?
With their Champions League adventure continuing, Galatasaray await the outcome of Friday’s round of 16 draw, where they will be paired against either Liverpool or Tottenham Hotspur. Meanwhile, Juventus will aim to bounce back domestically as they prepare for a Serie A clash at AS Roma on Sunday, needing to recover quickly from a heart-breaking European exit.
