Galatasaray vs Atlético Madrid: Champions League Clash – Preview, Team News & How to Watch

Galatasaray vs Atlético Madrid: Champions League Showdown at Rams Park

The UEFA Champions League Group Phase continues with a compelling encounter as Turkish champions Galatasaray host Atlético Madrid at the Rams Park in Istanbul this Wednesday evening. All eyes will be on this match as both teams look to solidify their positions in the competition. Kick-off is scheduled for 5:45 PM BST.

Team News & Form

Galatasaray

Galatasaray receive a significant boost with the return of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, fresh from his duties at the Africa Cup of Nations. Head coach Okan Buruk confirmed Osimhen’s eagerness and focus in training, stating, “Osimhen joined the squad yesterday and trained with us. He clearly showed his desire and concentration.” Osimhen’s six goals in four Champions League matches before his departure highlight his importance to the team.

Left-back Ismail Jakobs is expected to arrive on matchday and could feature, while midfielder Gabriel Sara will undergo a late fitness test. Unfortunately, Wilfried Singo remains sidelined due to injury, and Arda Ünyay is out with a hamstring strain. Metehan Baltacı is also serving a suspension. Davinson Sanchez and Ismail Jakobs are both walking a tightrope, one yellow card away from suspension.

Predicted Galatasaray Lineup: Cakir; Elmali, Sanchez, Bardakci, Sallai; Torreira, Lemina; Sane, Akgun, Yilmaz; Osimhen

Atlético Madrid

Diego Simeone’s Atlético Madrid will be without French centre-back Clément Lenglet, who continues to recover from a knee injury. Spanish winger Nicolás González has returned to training but is unlikely to start. The visitors are riding a wave of momentum, having secured two consecutive 1-0 victories, most recently against Deportivo Alavés on January 18th, with Alexander Sørloth scoring the winning goal.

Atlético’s attack will be spearheaded by Sørloth, a proven goalscorer in Europe, alongside Argentine forward Julián Álvarez, who has four Champions League goals to his name.

Predicted Atlético Madrid Lineup: Oblak; Llorente, Pubill, Hancko, Ruggeri; Simeone, Barrios, Koke, Baena; Sorloth, Alvarez

Recent Form & Head-to-Head

Galatasaray have been generally strong, losing only one of their last seven matches across all competitions. However, they’ve stumbled in the Champions League, losing their last two games. In the Turkish Super Lig, they currently lead the standings with 43 points from 18 matches, following a 1-1 draw with Gaziantep FK.

Atlético Madrid are aiming for their fourth consecutive victory in the UCL. They currently sit in a competitive position with 12 points from six matches and come into this game after a 1-0 win against Deportivo Alaves in La Liga. UEFA Champions League is always a thrilling competition.

How to Watch

For viewers in the UK, Galatasaray vs Atlético Madrid will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 10, with streaming options available through discovery+ (TNT Sports).