Galatasaray staged a stunning comeback to beat 10 man Juventus 5-2 in Istanbul, taking a commanding lead into the Champions League playoff return leg.
Galatasaray produced a blistering response to falling behind as they stormed to a 5-2 win over Juventus in a chaotic Champions League playoff first leg. The hosts started with intensity and were rewarded in the 15th minute. Gabriel Sara struck from distance after Juventus failed to clear their lines. The goal ignited the contest rather than settle it.
Juventus responded almost immediately and silenced the home crowd. Teun Koopmeiners reacted fastest after a saved header to make it 1-1 inside a minute. The Italian side then began to control possession and slow the tempo. Their composure told again just after the half hour mark.
Koopmeiners struck again in the 32nd minute with a clean effort from outside the box. His second goal completed a swift turnaround and left Galatasaray chasing the game. Juventus looked comfortable and exploited space between the lines. The visitors reached half time with a 2-1 lead.
The mood inside RAMS Park shifted as frustration crept into the home side’s play. Juventus defended compactly and limited clear chances. Galatasaray still carried threat but lacked precision. That changed dramatically after the restart.
Galatasaray emerged with renewed urgency and were level within four minutes. Noa Lang finished from close range after sustained pressure inside the box. The equaliser lifted the stadium and unsettled Juventus. The tempo increased and the tie began to tilt.
The hosts completed the turnaround on the hour mark. Davinson Sanchez turned home a fierce Sara set piece to make it 3-2. Juventus struggled to regain structure as Galatasaray pushed higher. The match soon turned further in the home side’s favour.
Juventus were reduced to ten men in the 67th minute. Substitute Juan Cabal received a second yellow card for a late challenge. The dismissal left the visitors exposed and visibly deflated. Galatasaray sensed the opportunity and attacked relentlessly.
Lang struck again in the 74th minute after Juventus lost possession deep in their own half. His finish capped a dominant individual display. The numerical advantage allowed Galatasaray to stretch the pitch and keep Juventus pinned back.
The fifth goal arrived four minutes from time. Victor Osimhen’s strength and awareness created space for Sacha Boey. The substitute drove into the area and finished emphatically. It was Galatasaray’s first ever five goal haul in a Champions League match.
The final whistle confirmed a famous European night in Istanbul. Galatasaray finished with 22 shots and 2.92 expected goals. Juventus managed just seven attempts and rarely threatened late on.
Galatasaray will take a three-goal cushion into the return leg in Turin on Wednesday 25 February. Juventus now face a steep task to keep their European campaign alive. The Turkish champions are firmly in control of the tie and within touching distance of the round of 16.
