Galatasaray enter this UEFA Champions League clash with immense momentum, knowing a victory would temporarily move them level on points with group leaders Bayern Munich. After their humbling 5–1 defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt on matchday one, the Turkish champions responded with remarkable resilience, defeating Liverpool, Bodø/Glimt and Ajax in succession.
Those three wins equal the total they had managed in their previous 33 UCL main-draw matches combined an extraordinary turnaround that places them on the brink of history. One more win would see Galatasaray achieve four UCL victories in a row for the first time ever.
Their prospects look promising at Rams Park, where they have not tasted defeat since August 2024. Two of those wins came in this season’s league phase, and they could now claim three consecutive UCL home victories in one edition for the first time since 2000/01, when they marched to the quarter-finals.
Confidence around the squad remains high, although injury concerns linger. Victor Osimhen is unlikely to feature, and three players were substituted with knocks over the weekend.Even so, the club’s ambition remains clear.
Softfootball understands that Galatasaray have shortlisted Nigeria international Ademola Lookman as a key January transfer target, viewing him as a forward capable of elevating their attack even further for both domestic and European campaigns.
Galatasary shared an update on the limited match tickets available for fans ahead of the game tomorrow, this statement was shared in a video via the team’s official X handle. They posted:
Union Saint-Gilloise arrive in Istanbul with a contrasting UCL story. Their campaign began brightly with a win over PSV, but the Belgian side have since suffered defeats to Newcastle, Inter Milan and, most recently, a 3–1 loss away to Atlético Madrid.
Despite their European struggles, USG remain in strong domestic form, sitting four points clear at the top of the Belgian Pro League following a composed 2–0 win over Cercle Brugge. They come into this match with four victories from their last six competitive fixtures, giving them a degree of confidence even as the level of opposition intensifies.
Their away record on the continent also offers a slight glimmer of hope. Both of Union’s victories across their last seven European matches were secured on the road, reinforcing their ability to spring surprises when expectations are low. They have also displayed early-game resilience, having not conceded inside the opening 30 minutes in any of their last nine competitive outings.
Though they face one of Europe’s most intimidating stadiums, they will look to impose their disciplined, transition-based style and rely on in-form forward Raul Florucz three goals in four UCL appearances to keep them competitive. Their only fresh concern is Fedde Leysen, who picked up an injury at the weekend.
Team News
Galatasaray remain doubtful over Victor Osimhen’s availability and are monitoring the status of three players who exited their last league game with injuries. Barış Yılmaz, who ended a 15-match goal drought on Saturday, is expected to play a key role once again.
Interestingly, Galatasary posted via their official X handle, clips from the team’s training today as the team round up its preparation to face Union Saint Gilloise tomorrow. They posted:
Union Saint-Gilloise’s main injury worry is Fedde Leysen, who could miss out after being withdrawn with a knock during their win over Cercle Brugge. Raul Florucz will spearhead the attack after his recent scoring burst.
Possible Lineups
Galatasaray possible starting lineup:
Cakir; Unyay, Bardakci, Sanchez, Karatas; Torreira, Gundogan; Sane, Sara, Sallai; Yilmaz
Union SG possible starting lineup:
Scherpen; Mac Allister, Burgess, Leysen; Patris, Schoofs, Zorgane, Khalaily; Rodriguez; Akinpelu, van de Perre
Union Saint Galliose via its official X handle, shared with fans that the players have arrived in Istanbul,Turkiye and are at the Galatasary Stadium feeling out the pitch as they set to lock horns against the Turkish giants. They posted:
SoftFootball Prediction
Galatasaray’s extraordinary home form and scoring momentum make them clear favourites in this fixture. Their ability to dominate matches at Rams Park, combined with their UCL resurgence, suggests they are well placed to extend their winning run. Union SG’s resilience and strong domestic form cannot be ignored, but their recent Champions League performances—particularly the 3–1 defeat to Atlético—underline the challenges they face at this level.
With their attack firing and the crowd behind them, Galatasaray should have enough quality to secure another European victory and maintain pressure on Bayern Munich at the top of the group.
Prediction: Galatasaray 3–1 Union Saint-Gilloise
