Two sides sitting firmly in the middle of the UEFA Champions League (UCL) league phase standings meet in a crucial encounter, as Monaco host Galatasaray for the seventh time in UCL history. The Monégasques come into this clash after a puzzling run of form that has kept supporters guessing, Softfootball reports.
While they managed a statement win over PSG, that victory sits awkwardly among a five-match slump across all competitions. Their UCL campaign reflects that inconsistency, six points from five game, leave them fighting simply to remain inside the top 24.
Still, there is a silver lining for Adi Hütter’s men: Monaco are unbeaten in four straight European fixtures including a gritty 1-0 win over Bodø/Glimt on matchday four. However, their home record in this competition remains a serious concern. With only three wins in their last 14 home UCL main-draw games, there is apprehension that another slip could further derail their European ambitions.
Galatasaray arrive in the principality in similarly turbulent form, having lost two of their last five matches in all competitions , including a disappointing defeat to Union Saint-Gilloise in their most recent UCL outing.
Okan Buruk’s side at least restored some belief last weekend with a dramatic 93rd-minute winner in domestic action, a morale-boosting 3-2 victory that keeps their momentum alive heading into Europe. The Turkish giants are now chasing the opportunity to record back-to-back away UCL wins for only the second time ever, though history is stacked against them of all clubs to have played 50+ away Champions League matches.
Team News
Monaco continue to deal with several notable absentees, with Folarin Balogun, George Ilenikhena and Ansu Fati all ruled out of this fixture. In more positive news, the club could hand Paul Pogba significant minutes after his long-awaited return from a doping suspension. Having recently made his first competitive appearance in 811 days, Pogba will now be looking to make his first UCL appearance since returning, a storyline that adds extra intrigue to Monaco’s midfield setup.
Galastary via its official X handle, shared with fans the moments as the team travels to France to face Monaco in a crucial ucl fixture, They posted:
Galatasaray, meanwhile, arrive in France with no fresh injury concerns and a relatively stable squad. Victor Osimhen remains the headline figure for Okan Buruk’s side, having been in outstanding European form this season.
Possible Lineups
Monaco possible starting lineup:
Hradecky; Henrique, Kehrer, Salisu; Teze, Camara, Pogba, Minamino; Akliouche, Golovin; Balogun
Galatasaray possible starting lineup:
Cakir; Sallai, Bardakci, Sanchez; Torreira, Gurpuz, Sara; Sane, Gundogan, Yilmaz; Osimhen
SoftFootball Prediction
Monaco’s home struggles in Europe and Galatasaray’s notoriously poor record away to French sides make this a difficult fixture to call. Gala possess the more explosive individual weapons particularly Osimhen but Monaco tend to find a way to compete in tight European contests.
A cautious and cagey battle, with both sides settling for a point that ultimately keeps their top-24 hopes alive but satisfies neither.
Prediction: Monaco 1–1 Galatasaray
