Galatasaray welcome Atlético Madrid to a fiercely anticipated UEFA Champions League league-phase Round 7 encounter at RAMS Park, with both sides targeting crucial points to strengthen their knockout-stage seeding.
Kick-off is scheduled for 5:45 PM GMT (11:15 PM IST), with Romanian referee István Kovács in charge. In India, the match will be broadcast on SonyLIV and the Sony Sports Network, while viewers in the UK can tune in via TNT Sports/BBC and US audiences on Paramount+.
Match Context
Atlético Madrid arrive with a psychological edge, unbeaten in their last three meetings with Galatasaray and holding an overall 4-0-2 head-to-head advantage. However, RAMS Park remains one of Europe’s most intimidating venues, and Galatasaray will look to harness their passionate home support to challenge Diego Simeone’s disciplined side.
Team Form
Galatasaray’s recent form across competitions reads W-W-L-W-D, reflecting solid momentum despite a rare Champions League home defeat earlier in the campaign. Their attacking output has been spearheaded by Victor Osimhen, who has netted six goals in the competition.
Atlético Madrid come in with W-D-L-W-W form and have won four of their six Champions League matches, currently riding a two-game winning streak. Forward Julián Álvarez leads their scoring charts in Europe with four goals, offering pace and intelligence alongside physical support from Alexander Sørloth.
Team News
Galatasaray
The hosts will be without Metehan Baltaci due to suspension, while Arda Ünyay and Gabriel Sara remain sidelined. Wilfried Singo is doubtful with a thigh issue, and Osimhen’s availability is being monitored following his AFCON exertions.
Predicted Galatasaray XI (4-2-3-1):
Çakir; Sallai, Sánchez, Bardakci, Elmali/Jakobs; Lemina, Torreira; Sané, Akgün, Yilmaz; Osimhen
Atlético Madrid
Atlético’s injury list is lighter, with Clément Lenglet the only confirmed absentee.
Predicted Atlético Madrid XI (4-4-2):
Oblak; Llorente, Pubill, Hancko, Ruggeri; Simeone, Barrios, Koke, Baena; Álvarez, Sørloth
Key Battles
A central duel will see Osimhen’s power and finishing tested against Atlético’s compact back line, while at the other end, Sørloth’s aerial presence and Álvarez’s movement pose a constant threat. Midfield control between Lucas Torreira and Koke could dictate the tempo.
Prediction
While Galatasaray’s home atmosphere may swing momentum at key moments, Atlético’s European experience and tactical discipline give them a slight edge. Most forecasts point to a 2–1 away win for Atlético Madrid, though a tightly contested encounter is expected.
With knockout implications looming, this Istanbul showdown promises intensity, tactical intrigue, and Champions League drama under the lights at RAMS Park.
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