Real Madrid look to revive their UCL campaign against Galatasaray

Finding themselves in a must win position, 13 time UEFA Champions League winners, Real Madrid, travel to Turkey to take on Galatasaray.

Real Madrid have been historically seen as the team in Europe’s premier competition. Nobody has ever won it more than the Spanish side, however, this season has not gone to plan. With a returning Zinedine Zidane at the helm, Los Blancos were humiliated in Paris by PSG before dropping to a draw at home against Club Brugge.

Their opponents, Galatasaray are also looking to register their first win of the tournament. Whilst they sit in third via goal difference, the Turks also lost to PSG and drew to Brugge.

Team news

Real Madrid will travel to Turkey without Luka Modric, Gareth Bale, Lucas Vasquez and Nacho Fernandez – with all the aforementioned players sidelined with injury.

Meanwhile, Galatasaray will enter the tie without the presence of on-loan Southampton player, Mario Lemina and new signing Radamel Falcao, who are expected to miss the clash as a result of injuries.

Fatih Terim (Galatasaray) on the game:

“It is an important match for the classification. You do not get used to seeing Madrid in the fourth place of the group. Therefore it is criticised. If you are Real Madrid is normal for criticism in this situation.” He continued: They always want to control the game. We know it well. We analyze the opponent well. Everyone knows everything they need to know. With great concentration and passionate fans we will do things right.”

Zinedine Zidane (Real Madrid) on the game:

“Real Madrid always deliver in these kinds of games and that’s what we want to see. We got our Champions League campaign off to a poor start and this is a game for us to show what we can do.” He also spoke about the questions surrounding his future: “I’m upset about what’s being said about me, but I can’t stop people from having their opinions. I have to give my all as coach, with my players, and think positively.”

Head-to-head

The two sides have met a total of seven times with Real Madrid winning four of the ties to Galatasaray’s three. With not a single draw ever occurring between the two, the match always promises excitement.