A raucous atmosphere is expected at RAMS Park today, Wednesday, January 21, 2026, as Galatasaray hosts Atletico Madrid in a crucial Champions League league phase encounter. Kick-off is set for 17:45 GMT (12:45 ET / 20:45 local).
With the league phase reaching its final two rounds, both teams are fighting for a place in the top eight to secure direct qualification for the Round of 16. Atletico currently sits in 10th place (12 points), while Galatasaray is in 18th place (9 points), looking to bridge the gap and move into the play-off seeded spots.
Match Information
| Feature | Details |
| Competition | UEFA Champions League (Matchday 7) |
| Date | Wednesday, January 21, 2026 |
| Kick-off | 17:45 GMT / 12:45 ET / 20:45 local |
| Venue | RAMS Park, Istanbul |
| Referee | István Kovács (Romania) |
| TV Channel | Paramount+ (US) / TNT Sports (UK) |
Galatasaray: The Return of the King
Okan Buruk’s side enters this match on the back of a 1–1 draw with Gaziantep FK in the Turkish Super Lig. Despite a slight dip in European form—losing their last two Champions League games to Monaco and PSV—the Lions are bolstered by the return of their star man, Victor Osimhen, who is back from AFCON duty.
Team News and Selection:
Osimhen Returns: The Nigerian striker is back in training and expected to lead the line. He has already scored 6 goals in this UCL campaign.
Injury & Suspension: Wilfried Singo and Arda Ünyay are sidelined with injuries, while Metehan Baltacı is suspended.
Late Fitness Tests: Midfielder Gabriel Sara and left-back Ismail Jakobs are facing late fitness checks.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Cakir; Sallai, Sanchez, Bardakci, Elmali; Torreira, Lemina; Sane, Akgun, Yilmaz; Osimhen.
Atletico Madrid: Simeone’s Defensive Surge
Diego Simeone has his side firing on all cylinders defensively, coming into this fixture off the back of two consecutive 1–0 wins in La Liga. Atletico is currently in the final automatic qualification spot for the Round of 16 and knows a win in Istanbul would likely secure their path.
Team News and Selection:
Forward Duo: Alexander Sørloth (the weekend's match-winner) and Julián Álvarez (4 UCL goals) are expected to lead the attack.
Defensive Absences: Clément Lenglet remains out with a knee injury. Nicolás González has returned to the squad but is unlikely to start.
Midfield Core: Captain Koke will anchor the midfield alongside the energetic Pablo Barrios.
Predicted XI (4-4-2): Oblak; Llorente, Pubill, Hancko, Ruggeri; Giuliano Simeone, Barrios, Koke, Baena; Sørloth, Álvarez.
? Head-to-Head (H2H) and Key Stats
Unbeaten Run: Atletico Madrid has never lost to Galatasaray in their six previous European meetings (W4, D2).
Defensive Mastery: Atletico has not conceded a goal in their last four meetings with the Turkish giants.
Home Advantage: Galatasaray has won two out of their three home fixtures in the league phase so far.
Goal Pattern: Interestingly, the last six goals in Galatasaray’s matches and the last five goals in Atletico’s matches have all been scored after half-time.
Tactical Analysis and Prediction
Galatasaray will rely on the intense Istanbul atmosphere and the technical quality of Leroy Sané and İlkay Gündoğan to disrupt Atletico’s rhythm. However, Simeone’s men are masters of navigating hostile environments. With the physical presence of Sørloth and the clinical finishing of Álvarez, Atletico is well-equipped to exploit a Galatasaray defense that has been prone to lapses in the second half.
Final Score Prediction: Galatasaray 1–2 Atletico Madrid
