In what has already been described as one of the most electrifying nights of the 2025–26 UEFA Champions League, Galatasaray Istanbul delivered a breathtaking performance to dismantle Juventus Turin 5–2 in the first leg of their knockout playoff tie in Istanbul. The Turkish giants turned the tie on its head with an unforgettable second‑half surge that leaves the Italian heavyweights facing a huge task as they head back to Turin for the return fixture.
Drama From Start to Finish
The match, played at Rams Park before a raucous home crowd, started with high intensity. Galatasaray took the lead early when Brazilian midfielder Gabriel Sara unleashed a powerful long‑range strike in the 15th minute that left Juventus keeper Michele Di Gregorio with no chance. Just a minute later, Juventus responded through Teun Koopmeiners, who pounced on a rebound to level the score and later added a second before halftime to make it 2–1 in favor of the visitors. However, what followed after the break was pure Galatasaray magic.
The Second‑Half Turnaround
Four second‑half goals completely turned the tide. Dutch winger Noa Lang sparked the comeback early in the second half, leveling the score in the 49th minute. Ten minutes later, Colombian defender Davinson Sánchez headed home from a Sara set‑piece to give Galatasaray the lead for the first time in the match. Juventus’ night went from bad to worse in the 67th minute when substitute Juan Cabal was shown a second yellow card and sent off, leaving the Old Lady to battle with ten men. Galatasaray capitalized ruthlessly: Lang added his second with a clinical finish in the 74th minute, and late substitute Sacha Boey sealed the emphatic victory in the 86th.
Historic Milestones and Key Performers.
This result marked the first time Juventus have conceded five goals in a Champions League match and also the first instance of Galatasaray scoring five in the competition’s history a testament to both the hosts’ attacking firepower and Juve’s defensive woes. Sara stood out with a goal and an assist, while Lang’s brace turned the contest around. Victor Osimhen, though not on the scoresheet, played a crucial creative role with multiple assists that unlocked the Juventus defense.
What This Means for the Tie
With a three‑goal advantage heading into the return leg in Turin next week, Galatasaray are in the driver’s seat to reach the Champions League Round of 16 — a feat they haven’t achieved since 2014. Conversely, Juventus now face the daunting challenge of overturning this deficit against a confident and ruthless opponent.
Fans Call It “A Night of Chaos and Glory”
Supporters and pundits alike have called this one of the most remarkable nights of the season. Galatasaray fans are celebrating a historic triumph on home soil, while Juventus followers are left searching for answers after a night full of defensive lapses and missed opportunities.