Galatasaray booked their place in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 after surviving a dramatic comeback from Juventus, ultimately progressing 7–5 on aggregate despite losing 3–2 on the night following extra time at the Allianz Stadium in Turin.
The Turkish champions arrived in Italy with a commanding 5–2 advantage from the first leg in Istanbul, but what followed was a night of chaos, resilience, and heartbreak for the Italian giants. Juventus produced one of their most spirited performances of the season, overturning the aggregate deficit to force extra time, only to see their hopes crushed late on by Victor Osimhen and Barış Alper Yılmaz.
From the opening whistle, Juventus played with intensity and purpose, knowing they needed an early breakthrough to ignite belief among the home supporters. The midfield trio pushed higher up the pitch, while the full-backs provided width to stretch Galatasaray’s defensive shape.
Their persistence paid off in the 37th minute when Juventus were awarded a penalty after a foul inside the area. Manuel Locatelli stepped up confidently and converted from the spot, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to give Juventus a crucial 1–0 lead on the night and reduce the aggregate deficit.
The goal energized the stadium and shifted the psychological momentum toward the hosts. Juventus continued pressing, creating several half-chances before halftime, but Galatasaray held firm to maintain their aggregate cushion heading into the break.
The second half brought even more drama when Juventus were reduced to ten men following the dismissal of Lloyd Kelly. The defender received his marching orders after a reckless challenge, leaving Juventus with a significant disadvantage at a critical stage of the match.
Paradoxically, the red card seemed to inspire the Italian side rather than weaken them. Juventus defended with remarkable organization while continuing to attack whenever opportunities arose.
Their equalizer on the night arrived in the 70th minute through Federico Gatti. The defender reacted quickest inside the box following a set-piece situation, powering home to make it 2–0 on the night and bring Juventus within one goal of leveling the aggregate score.
The comeback was completed in the 82nd minute when Weston McKennie scored to make it 3–0 on the night. The American midfielder’s goal sent the Allianz Stadium into delirium, with Juventus now level at 5–5 on aggregate despite playing with ten men.
Juventus had completed the improbable, but the job was not yet finished.
With momentum firmly on Juventus’ side, extra time began with tension and fatigue affecting both teams. However, Galatasaray’s attacking quality eventually proved decisive.
Victor Osimhen delivered the crucial moment in the 105th minute, capitalizing on defensive hesitation to score and restore Galatasaray’s aggregate advantage. The Nigerian striker’s composure under pressure demonstrated why he remains one of Europe’s most feared forwards.
Juventus pushed desperately for another response, committing players forward in search of a miracle. But the gamble left them exposed at the back.
In the 119th minute, Barıs Alper Yılmaz sealed the tie, scoring Galatasaray’s second goal of the night and effectively ending Juventus’ hopes. The goal confirmed a 3–2 victory for Juventus on the night but a 7–5 aggregate triumph for Galatasaray.
Juventus’ performance will be remembered for its courage and intensity. Despite the first-leg deficit and playing with ten men, they dominated large portions of the second leg, creating more chances and showing attacking fluidity rarely seen this season.
Locatelli controlled the midfield early on, while McKennie’s energy and late runs into the box caused continuous problems for Galatasaray’s defense. Gatti’s leadership at the back and attacking contribution also stood out.
For Galatasaray, resilience was the defining trait. While they struggled to contain Juventus’ pressure for long stretches, their attacking quality ultimately made the difference. Osimhen’s decisive goal underlined his importance, while Yılmaz’s late strike demonstrated the Turkish side’s ability to punish opponents in transition.
Goalkeeper Ugurcan Çakır also played an important role, producing several saves to keep Galatasaray within reach during Juventus’ strongest periods.
Despite elimination, Juventus left the pitch to applause from their supporters. The performance showed character and fighting spirit that had been questioned earlier in the season.
For Galatasaray, qualification represents a major achievement and reinforces their growing reputation as a dangerous force in European competition. Overturning Juventus across two legs with a 7–5 aggregate victory highlighted both their attacking power and mental strength.
The Turkish side now advances to the Round of 16, where even tougher challenges await, but after surviving one of the most dramatic ties of the knockout playoffs, they will believe they can compete with Europe’s elite.
