The UEFA Champions League delivered another unforgettable night as Galatasaray stunned Juventus in Turin, clinching a dramatic 7-5 aggregate victory after extra time to secure their place in the Round of 16. The clash, held on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at the iconic Juventus Stadium, was a rollercoaster of emotion, tactical battles, and relentless attacking football that left fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.
With the stakes sky-high and the eyes of Europe fixed on Turin, kickoff arrived at 9 p.m. local time, setting the stage for a showdown between two storied clubs. Juventus, managed by Luciano Spalletti, lined up in a 4-3-3 formation: Perin in goal; Kalulu, Gatti, Kelly, and McKennie in defense; Koopmeiners, Locatelli (captain), and Thuram in midfield; and a dynamic front three of Conceicao, David, and Yildiz. Their bench boasted depth with names like Di Gregorio, Bremer, Zhegrova, Boga, and Openda.
On the other side, Galatasaray, under the guidance of Okan Buruk, deployed a 4-2-3-1 setup. Cakir took his place between the posts, shielded by Sallai, Sanchez, Bardakci, and Jakobs. Torreira and Lemina anchored midfield, while Alper Yilmaz, Gabriel Sara, and Lang provided attacking support for star striker Osimhen. The Turkish side's bench was equally formidable, featuring experienced talents such as Icardi, Sané, Gundogan, and Boey.
The match referee, João Pedro Pinheiro, had his work cut out for him as both teams came out with intent. Juventus, spurred on by a boisterous home crowd, looked to assert their dominance early. Yet, Galatasaray showed no signs of intimidation, matching the Bianconeri stride for stride and signaling their ambitions from the first whistle.
Broadcast live on CBS Sports Network in the United States and TNT Sports in the UK, with streaming available on platforms like Paramount+, Amazon Prime Video, and fuboTV, fans worldwide tuned in for what would become a classic Champions League encounter. The anticipation was palpable, and as the minutes ticked by, both sides traded blows in a contest that refused to yield a clear favorite.
Juventus supporters, still savoring memories of past European glories, were in full voice as their side pressed forward. Locatelli marshaled the midfield with poise, while Yildiz and David probed the Galatasaray defense with clever movement. But Galatasaray, buoyed by their passionate traveling fans, responded with swift counterattacks, orchestrated by Osimhen's powerful runs and Lang's creativity on the left flank.
The first half saw moments of brilliance and near misses. McKennie surged down the left, whipping in dangerous crosses, while Koopmeiners tested Cakir with a long-range effort. Galatasaray's Torreira, ever the midfield engine, broke up play and launched attacks, setting the tempo for the visitors. As halftime approached, the score remained finely balanced, and the tension inside Juventus Stadium was almost tangible.
The second half exploded into life as both teams went in search of the decisive goal. Juventus, knowing they needed to overturn the aggregate deficit, pushed numbers forward. Spalletti introduced fresh legs from the bench, including the lively Openda and the experienced Kostic, to inject new impetus into the attack. Galatasaray, however, remained resolute, with Sanchez and Bardakci forming a formidable barrier at the heart of defense.
As the clock wound down, the drama intensified. Juventus found the net, igniting wild celebrations, only for Galatasaray to respond almost immediately with a clinical finish from Osimhen. The aggregate scoreline seesawed, with both managers barking instructions and urging their players to dig deep. Extra time beckoned as the teams finished level on aggregate after 90 minutes, setting the stage for a nerve-shredding finale.
In extra time, Galatasaray's resilience shone through. Despite mounting pressure from the hosts, the Turkish side capitalized on a rare defensive lapse to score a crucial away goal. The Juventus faithful watched in disbelief as their team, despite a valiant effort, could not find the goals needed to overturn the deficit. When the final whistle blew, Galatasaray had triumphed 7-5 on aggregate, sparking scenes of jubilation among their players and fans alike.
The result means Galatasaray advances to the Champions League Round of 16, joining the likes of Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Tottenham, Barcelona, Chelsea, Sporting CP, Manchester City, Atlético Madrid, Newcastle, Bayer Leverkusen, Bodø/Glimt, Atalanta, Real Madrid, and PSG. The final draw to determine the matchups for the next stage will be held in Switzerland on Friday, February 27, at 6 a.m. ET, with the Round of 16 matches set to begin March 10. The road to the final in Budapest is officially mapped out, and Galatasaray's name is firmly in the mix.
For Juventus, the defeat is a bitter pill to swallow. The Bianconeri, who had high hopes of making a deep run in this year's competition, must now regroup and focus on domestic challenges. Manager Luciano Spalletti praised his team’s effort, acknowledging the quality of the opposition and the fine margins that define Champions League football.
"We gave everything on the pitch, but sometimes football is about moments," Spalletti reflected after the match. "Galatasaray were clinical when it mattered. We have to learn from this and come back stronger." According to UEFA’s statistics, the match featured a high tempo, with both sides registering double-digit shots on target and possession nearly evenly split—a testament to the competitive nature of the tie.
Galatasaray’s manager, Okan Buruk, was understandably elated. "This is a special night for Galatasaray and our supporters. The players showed incredible character and belief. We look forward to the next round with excitement," he told reporters in the post-match press conference.
The Champions League knockout stage now promises even more fireworks. With powerhouses such as Real Madrid, Manchester City, and PSG in the mix, Galatasaray faces a stern test ahead. Their next opponent will be revealed at the highly anticipated draw, which will also set the path to the grand finale at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest on May 30, 2026.
For fans who missed the action, highlights are available on BBC One and streaming platforms, ensuring supporters can relive every twist and turn from this epic encounter. As the dust settles in Turin, the focus shifts to the next chapter of the Champions League—a tournament that, year after year, delivers drama, heartbreak, and unforgettable moments. Galatasaray’s remarkable triumph over Juventus is just the latest addition to the competition’s rich tapestry, and the adventure continues as the Round of 16 beckons.