Galatasaray scrape into last 16 despite 'really weak' performance against Juventus

Yilmaz and Elmali are delighted to have reached the round of 16
Yilmaz and Elmali are delighted to have reached the round of 16REUTERS / Guglielmo Mangiapane

Galatasaray have reached the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League for the first time since the 2013/14 season. After a stunning 5-2 home win, the Turkish champions needed strong nerves - and endurance - in the second leg against Juventus. After being relentlessly outplayed by 10 men, Gala only managed to decide the game in extra time. Coach Okan Buruk was not sparing with his criticism after the 3-2 defeat in Turin.

"What annoys me most is that we lost the game even though our opponents played with 10 men," said Buruk.

Juventus had initially taken the lead through a penalty from Manuel Locatelli (30th minute). Shortly after the break, however, Italy's record champions suffered a major setback, as defender Lloyd Kelly was sent off with a red card, putting Galatasaray in a strong position.

Nevertheless, Federico Gatti (70') and former Schalke player Weston McKennie (82') sent the visitors into extra time with their goals.

"I was annoyed and surprised on the sidelines," analysed Buruk. "Our players' performance was really weak."

Buruk could not be satisfied with his team's performance
Buruk could not be satisfied with his team's performanceREUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane

'Important evening to recognise weaknesses'

Goals from Victor Osimhen (105+2) and Baris Alper Yilmaz (119) enabled Gala to progress, but the team from Istanbul will need greater consistency in the future if they are to remain in the competition.

After the 5-2 victory in the first leg, they believed Galatasaray could "make it to the final", said Buruk

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The 52-year-old sees his team's poor performance as an opportunity to make changes.

"For me as a coach, it was a good evening to improve my team. It was important to recognise our weaknesses. I'll discuss that with the players and it will help us in the round of 16."

There, the Lions from Istanbul will face either Liverpool or Tottenham Hotspur. Their next opponents will be decided on Friday at the draw at the UEFA headquarters in Nyon.

Check out the summary of the match with Flashscore!