Galatasaray defeated Stuttgart 2-0 in the fourth week of the UEFA Champions League, with Russian midfielder Aleksey Batrakov scoring both goals. The victory moved the Turkish side to 18th place in the league phase standings, according to Diken.
Aleksey Batrakov Earns Player of the Week Nomination
Aleksey Batrakov’s two goals in the 12th and 15th minutes proved decisive in securing three points for the home side. The midfielder’s performance earned him a nomination for the UEFA Champions League player of the week award, and he was ultimately recognized as the third-best player of the round by Fanatik. Other nominees for the honor included Como’s Anastasios Douvikas, LASK’s Kasper Jörgensen, and Paris Saint-Germain’s Fabian Ruiz. While Fanatik reported that Batrakov was recognized as the third-best player of the week, Odatv noted that some official UEFA channels did not include the midfielder in their primary highlights.
Transfer Admissions from Ermedin Demirovic
Stuttgart forward Ermedin Demirovic confirmed after the match that he had been in contact with Galatasaray during the summer transfer window. Speaking to the media, as reported by Hürriyet, the 28-year-old Bosnian international stated, “Of course there were contacts with Galatasaray, and I have great respect for Galatasaray,” acknowledging the respect he holds for the club despite the loss. Demirovic noted that the atmosphere at the stadium was a unique experience for him, marking his first time playing in Turkey. He added, “Nevertheless, this was a Champions League match that we wanted to win.”
Tactical Approach in the Champions League
Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk implemented a high-intensity tactical setup that drew attention during the match. Footage from the early stages of the game showed the team crowding the Stuttgart penalty area to disrupt the German club’s defensive structure. Observers commented on the team’s aggressive stance, noting: “0 yenilgiyle gelen pres takımına yaptığına bak.”
Paris Saint-Germain Leads League Phase with 12 Points
Following four matches, Paris Saint-Germain leads the league phase with 12 points, followed by Real Madrid and Arsenal with 10 points. Galatasaray currently holds 6 points, placing them 18th, while Fenerbahçe follows with 5 points in 19th place, per Diken. The league format requires teams to play eight matches, with the top eight advancing directly to the round of 16 and teams ranked 9th through 24th entering a play-off round. The path to the final in Madrid on June 5, 2027, includes the round of 16 play-offs (February 16/17 and 23/24), the round of 16 (March 9/10 and 16/17), the quarter-finals (April 6/7 and 13/14), and the semi-finals (April 27/28 and May 4/5).
Galatasaray’s remaining league phase schedule:
- November 24: vs. Aston Villa
- December 8: at AEK
- January 19: vs. Feyenoord
- January 27: at Paris Saint-Germain
Galatasaray Faces Aston Villa After Claiming 6 Points
What is the current qualification status for Galatasaray?
Galatasaray sits in 18th place with 6 points after four matches. They must finish in the top 24 to remain in the competition, with the top eight teams earning direct passage to the round of 16.
When is the next Champions League match for the team?
Galatasaray will host Aston Villa on November 24, 2026, at 20:45.
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