Atlético Madrid vs Galatasaray SK Match Preview
Atlético are living moments of ecstasy this week after qualifying for the Copa del Rey final last Thursday and handing FC Barcelona their first defeat this season by beating the Catalans 2-1 on Sunday. Atlético reach this round from Champions League group play, where they failed to win a match (3D, 3L) in the company of Chelsea FC and FC Porto. This season, Atlético have proven that they are capable of disappointing losses followed by exhilarating victories and it would be characteristic of them to make an interesting run in this competition. Atlético and Galatasaray have not met since 1973, year in which the Colchoneros reached the European Cup final to lose 4-0 to Bayern Munich. But coaches Frank Rijkaard and Quique Sánchez Flores, of Galatasaray and Atlético respectively, will have a clear notion of each other’s style due to Rijkaard’s tenure at Barcelona. The match promises to deliver, as the time seems ripe for Atlético to take advantage of their unpredictable potential and Galatasaray will sure field a well coached outfit.
Galatasaray finished first with a 4-1-1 record during the group stage ahead of Panathinaikos. They are in second place in the Turkish league 2 points behind Fenerbahce. They are undefeated at home in domestic play and they have 4 wins and 1 draw in their last 5 matches. Galatasaray’s front office has been busy lately, as they have signed two forwards. Injured forward Milan Baros (broken foot) will be replaced by Brasilian international Jô, on loan from Manchester City and the Mexican youngster and ex-FC Barcelona player Giovani Dos Santos is on loan from Tottenham Hotspur. The Brasilian, however, will not be able to play because he has participated in this season’s Europa League playing for Everton. Galatasaray won the UEFA Cup and UEFA Super Cup in 2000 and they are typically a well-balanced side that can be extremely tough to overcome in their home turf. The first leg being at the Calderón, Galatasaray will be prudent, but they will also look to capitalize on any opportunities and return to Galatasary’s home inferno, as often labeled by the Spanish press, with an edge.
