Galatasaray mounted a stunning comeback to defeat Juventus 5-2 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League playoff tie in Istanbul. The Turkish side overturned a halftime deficit after Juventus' Juan Cabal was sent off, with Noa Lang scoring twice in the victory. The result puts Galatasaray in a strong position ahead of the return leg in Turin.
The match at Ali Sami Yen Sports Complex on February 17, 2026, began with Galatasaray taking an early lead in the 20th minute. Former Norwich midfielder Gabriel Sara curled a shot into the net from the edge of the area after Victor Osimhen won possession. Juventus equalized just a minute later when Pierre Kalulu headed a ball that goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir spilled, allowing Teun Koopmeiners to smash in the rebound.
Koopmeiners then put Juventus ahead with a fine strike into the roof of the net after exchanging passes with Weston McKennie, giving the visitors a 2-1 halftime lead. The second half shifted dramatically when defender Juan Cabal, who had come on at the break, received two yellow cards and was sent off after 22 minutes on the pitch.
Galatasaray capitalized quickly. Baris Yilmaz crossed from the right, and Noa Lang turned in the equalizer in the 49th minute. Gabriel Sara then delivered a free-kick that Davinson Sanchez headed in to make it 3-2 in the 60th minute. Lang added his second goal in the 75th minute, stealing the ball after a misplaced pass from Khephren Thuram to Lloyd Kelly. Substitute Sacha Boey sealed the win with a tight-angled shot in the 86th minute.
This was only the second time Galatasaray scored four or more goals in a Champions League match, the first since the turn of the century. Juventus, who have the most red cards in Champions League history, struggled defensively after the dismissal, conceding five goals for the first time in a European knockout game since 1958-59. Under manager Luciano Spalletti, Juventus have improved in attack but remain vulnerable at the back, as evidenced by their 10 goals conceded in eight league phase matches.
Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk's side now holds a three-goal advantage heading into the second leg. Juventus, managed by Spalletti, sit in the top four battle in Serie A but face a tough challenge to advance.
