Galatasaray took one step closer to reaching the Round of 16 of the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League after an emphatic 5-2 win over Juventus in the first leg of their playoff tie.
The Turkish champions had finished in 20th place after winning three, losing four and recording one draw from their eight league-phase matches.
Meanwhile, Juventus finished in 13th position to set up the clash and were favourites to progress from the round.
However, Galatasaray made sure they will head into the second leg with a three-goal advantage, following their impressive display at the Rams Park.
Gabriel Sara opened the scoring in the 15th minute, but the visitors scored twice in the 16th minute and 32nd minute to turn the tie around in their favour.
Teun Koopmeiners grabbed both goals as the Old Lady took a one-goal lead into the break in a highly entertaining affair.
Noa Lang pulled the home side back on level terms after the restart with a tap in after a De Gregorio had saved a shot from Baris Yilmaz, scoring his first goal for the Turkish club.
Galatasaray moved back in front on the hour mark when Davinson Sanchez headed home from a free kick, before Juventus were reduced to 10 when substitute Juan Cabal was sent off for a second caution.
The Lions had a two-goal advantage when Lang grabbed his second of the game, after an error at the back from Juventus, with Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen involved.
Sacha Boey added a fifth for Galatasaray after another Osimhen assist, before firing home to give his side an emphatic 5-2 win in the clash.
The Turkish champions take a three-goal advantage into the second leg on February 25 in Turin, hoping to progress to the next stage of the competition.
The winner of the tie will face either Liverpool or Tottenham Hotspur in the Round of 16.
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