Article by Romeo Ene – Published on Tuesday, 17 February 2026, 22:26 / Updated on Tuesday, 17 February 2026 22:27
Galatasaray hit the ground running with Juventusscore 5-2, in the first leg of the play-off for the “eighties” of the Champions League. The “Old Lady” crashed in Turkey and only has a theoretical chance to qualify. The return takes place on February 25, in Turin.
The shameful failure will not soon be forgotten by the team coached by Luciano Spaletti (66 years old). It is the first time in history that the former Italian champions have conceded 5 goals in a Champions League match.
Juve led 1-0, turned the score around by half-time, but disaster followed in the second act. The Turks have scored 4 more times and are one foot into the “eighth” of the UCL.
Two firsts in Galatasaray – Juventus 5-2
Another first, this time happy for Galatasaray. It is the first time in history that the Turkish team scores 5 times in a match in the most important interclub competition in Europe.
Until this failure, only Bayern, Real Madrid and Chelsea had scored four goals against Juve.
Moreover, it is the Italians' second heaviest defeat in European competitions, after 0-7 against Wiener Sport-Club on 30 September 1958.
“Juventus suffered a disaster in the UEFA Champions League play-off first leg in Turkey against Galatasaray. After leading 2-1 at half-time thanks to Koopmeiners' brace, Juventus conceded four goals in the second half to lose 2-5.
Cabal's elimination and numerous individual errors mattered enormously in determining the final result. The return is announced complicated“, write those from Corriere dello Sport.
Juventus, a historic failure: Galatasaray destroyed it 5-2 and needs a miracle for the eighth.
– Gazzetta dello Sportabout the collapse of Juventus
