Galatasaray claimed an impressive 5-2 victory over 10-man Juventus in the first leg of their Champions League playoff on Tuesday, putting themselves in a strong position before the return match in Italy.
Gabriel Sara opened the scoring early with a brilliant long-range strike, but Juventus quickly replied through Teun Koopmeiners. The Dutch midfielder struck again in the 32nd minute to give the Italians a surprise lead.
After halftime, Galatasaray came out with renewed energy. Noa Lang equalised by finishing a rebound, and the Turkish side went ahead again when Davinson Sanchez converted a set-piece delivery from Sara.
Juventus’ task became even harder when Juan Cabal was sent off in the 67th minute for a second yellow card.
Lang then scored his second goal after a defensive error, and substitute Sacha Boey added a late fifth to complete a dominant performance for Galatasaray.
The second leg will take place in Turin on February 25.
