What Happened
Juventus suffered a significant setback in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League knockout playoff against Galatasaray, losing 5-2 in Istanbul. This defeat marks only the second time Juventus has lost a first leg of a major European knockout tie by a three-goal margin, the last instance being against Real Madrid in the 2017-18 UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.
Why It Matters
Galatasaray’s commanding victory puts them in a strong position, as they have historically progressed from all 11 of their knockout ties in European competitions when winning the first leg by at least three goals. Juventus, on the other hand, faces an uphill battle, needing to score at least three goals in the return leg to have any hope of advancing. The Bianconeri have never overturned a three-goal deficit in Champions League history, and their current form is concerning, having lost four of their last five matches.
What’s Next
The return leg is scheduled for February 25, 2026, at Allianz Stadium in Turin. Juventus will need to rally and produce a remarkable comeback to avoid elimination, while Galatasaray aims to secure their place in the round of 16 for the first time since the 2013-14 season. With both teams having faced recent challenges, the match promises to be a crucial encounter in the Champions League.
