Turk Telekom Galatasaray
Galatasaray - Fenerbahçe - Intercontinental Derby
As Manchester City prepare for a high-stakes Champions League showdown this Wednesday, they face an opponent that has become a recurring nightmare for Premier League sides: Galatasaray.
The Turkish champions arrive at the Etihad Stadium boasting a formidable recent record against English opposition. In their last four encounters with Premier League clubs, “Cimbom” remain undefeated—a streak that includes dumping Manchester United out of the competition in 2023 and, most recently, a 1-0 victory over Liverpool earlier this season.
Familiar Faces Return to Manchester
City will face several players who once called the Etihad home. Ilkay Gündogan, a modern Manchester City icon who captained the club to their 2023 Treble, returns to the north-west just one season after rejoining his roots in Istanbul. Alongside him is Leroy Sané, the explosive winger who won two titles under Pep Guardiola and has been a mainstay in Galatasaray’s European campaign.
The squad is a veritable “who’s who” of Premier League alumni, including:
Davinson Sanchez (formerly of Tottenham)
Lucas Torreira (formerly of Arsenal)
Mario Lemina (formerly of Wolves)
Gabriel Sara (formerly of Norwich)
Leading the line is the prolific Victor Osimhen, who has already netted six goals in five European matches this term and will be looking to exploit a City defense that has appeared uncharacteristically vulnerable lately.
High Stakes at the Etihad
The pressure on Pep Guardiola’s men is immense. Following a surprising defeat to Bodo/Glimt, Manchester City have slipped to 11th in the league phase table. They must secure a victory on Wednesday to stand a chance of breaking into the top eight and avoiding the uncertainty of the knockout play-offs.
Galatasaray, currently in 17th place with 10 points, are equally motivated. While the top eight may be out of reach for the Istanbul side, a draw would likely be enough to secure their own play-off berth.
With thousands of passionate Turkish supporters expected to descend on Manchester, City must find a way to break the “Galatasaray hex” or face a much more difficult path to European glory.