Champions League — Juventus’ great escape falls short as Galatasaray advances to the round of 16

Galatasaray lost 2-3 at Juventus on Wednesday but reached the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League 7-5 on aggregate thanks to two extra-time goals as the hosts came agonizingly close to a stunning escape despite playing with 10 men.

Juventus still had a mountain to climb after a 2–5 defeat in Istanbul, forcing the draw in the extra 30 minutes and appearing to have the upper hand before Victor Osimhen struck at the end of the first half of extra time and Baris Alper Yilmaz scored late on.

Juve’s recent form had inspired little confidence that it could fight back, with four defeats in a five-match winless run, but after a heroic effort they were welcomed at full-time.

Manuel Locatelli opened the score for the home team from the penalty spot eight minutes before half-time. Juventus had Lloyd Kelly sent off three minutes after the break, before Federico Gatti scored with 20 minutes to go.

Galatasaray was unable to capitalize on its numerical advantage and Weston McKennie headed in eight minutes before the end, but it will now be the Turkish team that will play Liverpool or Tottenham Hotspur in the round of 16 on Friday.

Juventus created plenty of chances in the first half, with Gatti heading over from close range, while Locatelli had a shot cleared by Galatasaray keeper Ugurcan Cakir. Cakir also did well to turn Kenan Yildiz’s deflected shot around the post.

The hosts were given a lifeline when Lucas Torreira fouled Khephren ‌Thuram in the area and Locatelli’s penalty looked set to inspire the comeback.

Yet those hopes were hampered by Kelly’s red card and, as in the first leg, Juventus would end the match with 10 men.

HEROIC FIGHT

Yildiz saw another shot go wide and Gatti headed over the bar again, but the home side’s efforts were rewarded when Gatti tapped in the back post from Pierre Kalulu’s cross qaz2.

Thuram’s attempted chip from the ‘keeper went over and Yildiz hit the post as Juventus looked more like the team with the extra man and McKennie leveled the score with a close-range header.

Edon ⁠Zhegrova squandered a golden opportunity for Juventus early in extra time, firing completely unmarked from close range before Osimhen silenced the home fans.

The striker collected a pass from Yilmaz wide in the area and fired his shot through the legs of ‘keeper Mattia Perin.

Cakir reflexively set up Zhegrova and Juventus were hit on the counter as Yilmaz finished off a side that was understandably out of steam.

Published on February 26, 2026