Galatasaray targets home victory over Atletico Madrid to stay in UCL last-16 race

Türkiye's reigning champion Galatasaray is set to host Spain's Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, Jan. 20, in the seventh matchday of the UEFA Champions League group stage, aiming to boost its chances of reaching the last 16.

The game will kick off at 8:45 p.m. local time (GMT+3) at RAMS Park in Istanbul, with Romanian referee Istvan Kovacs officiating.

Heading into the match, Galatasaray sits 18th in the standings with 9 points, while Atletico Madrid occupies 8th place with 12 points.

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Injuries and card risks limit Galatasaray's options

The Turkish side will be without several key players due to injuries and eligibility issues. Midfielder Gabriel Sara and youngster Arda Unyay are sidelined with injuries and will not be available for the match. Meanwhile, left-back Kazimcan Karatas is not registered in the UEFA squad and therefore cannot participate.

The fitness of Ivorian defender Wilfried Singo remains uncertain, as a final decision will be made following the team’s last training session.

Additionally, Senegalese left-back Ismail Jakobs and Colombian center-back Davinson Sanchez are both one yellow card away from suspension.

If either player receives a booking against Atletico, they will miss the next matchday fixture against English powerhouse Manchester City on Jan. 28.

Victor Osimhen (C), Abdulkerim Bardakci (R) and Yunus Akgun (L) of Galatasaray attend a training session at Kemerburgaz Metin Oktay Facilities in Istanbul, Türkiye, January 20, 2026. (AA Photo)

Osimhen returns after international duty with Nigeria

Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen returns to the Galatasaray squad after a 39-day absence due to international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where Nigeria finished third.

The 27-year-old last appeared for Galatasaray in a domestic match against Antalyaspor on December 13, 2025, and missed six official club matches during the tournament.

Osimhen has been a crucial figure in Galatasaray’s Champions League campaign, scoring six of the team’s eight goals in the competition. The remaining two goals were scored by winger Yunus Akgun.

The Nigerian forward is currently tied with Manchester City’s Erling Haaland for second place in the Champions League top scorer list. Real Madrid’s French striker Kylian Mbappe leads the standings with nine goals.

January 21, 2026 02:33 AM GMT+03:00