What Happened
Juventus FC suffered a significant setback in their UEFA Champions League playoff first leg, losing 5-2 to Galatasaray in Istanbul. The Bianconeri had initially taken the lead with two goals from Teun Koopmeiners but were unable to maintain their advantage after a red card for Juan Cabal. This defeat places Juventus in a precarious position as they prepare for the second leg at their home ground, Allianz Juventus Stadium.
Why It Matters
The loss is part of a troubling trend for Juventus, who have only managed one draw in their last five competitive matches. This poor form has seen them exit the Coppa Italia and drop to fifth place in Serie A, raising concerns about their Champions League future. With key players like Cabal and Andrea Cambiaso suspended, and others like Kenan Yildiz not fully fit, the team faces a daunting challenge to overturn the deficit against Galatasaray.
What’s Next
Juventus will host Galatasaray for the second leg of the playoff, which is scheduled to kick off at 20:00 GMT. The team will rely on the remaining squad members, including Kenan Yildiz and Jonathan David, to deliver a strong performance. Additionally, Juventus is reportedly not looking to sell Andrea Cambiaso, despite interest from top clubs, as they aim to strengthen their squad for the upcoming summer transfer window.