Match Preview

Real Madrid make the trip to the Türk Telekom Stadium in Istanbul on Tuesday as they search for their first win in their Champions League campaign this season.

Real haven’t had the best of group stages so far as they have lost to PSG and drew to Club Brugge in their previous two matches. They are also coming off a very disappointing 1-0 weekend league loss to Mallorca, Real’s first loss in LaLiga.

Galatasaray find themselves in a similar situation as Real Madrid in Group A. They have lost and draw their previous two matches and are looking for their first three points at home. Their league season isn’t going much better as they currently find themselves 6th in the Turkish Süper Lig.

With only one point captured in the group, it’s needless to say that this is a must-win for both sides if they hope to eventually move on to the Round of 16. Neither club can afford to keep conceding points with PSG and Club Brugge starting to potentially pull away.

Injuries/Suspensions

Real Madrid still have several names out of this squad for the trip to Istanbul. Bale, Nacho, Modric, Vazquez, and Asensio are all set to miss this match. Kroos and Hazard are likely back after missing the Mallorca match over the weekend.

Galatasaray have a few injuries of their own as Mario Lemina, Sofiane Feghouli and newcomer Radamel Falcao are set to miss with injury.

There are no suspensions for either club in Tuesday’s showdown.

Potential XIs

Real Madrid

Courtois; Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo; Valverde, Casemiro, Kroos; James, Hazard, Benzema

Galatasaray

Muslera; Mariano, Luyindama, Marcao, Nagatomo; N’zonzi, Mor, Seri; Belhanda, Babel, Andone

Prediction

Galatasaray—Real Madrid 1-3

Real Madrid must win this match if they hope to remain competitive in this group. A loss would certainly derail the club and make it hard to get back on track after. They need to be better in the Champions League this season, their effort hasn’t been nearly enough.

Galatasaray are at home and the stakes are just as high for them. Regardless of their poor league record so far, this will still be a very tough match for Real on the road.

Real need to get the bad taste from the Mallorca match out of their mouths with a win on Tuesday. Their backs are up against the wall in Istanbul, Real must respond and show what they are truly made of.