Okan Buruk's Galatasaray Scrap into Champions League Knockouts

Gala squeak past Juve in extra time

Gala reach UCL last 16 with extra-time win over 10-man Juventus. Galatasaray overcome weak performance to edge Juventus in Champions League thriller. Okan Buruk's team scrape into knockout stage despite 'really weak' display.

“I was annoyed and surprised on the sidelines. Our players' performance was really weak...”

Galatasaray have made it to the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League for the first time since 2013/14, but their performance against Juventus was far from convincing. Despite a 5-2 home win, they struggled in the second leg, needing extra time to secure a 3-2 win (on aggregate) in Turin.

Coach Okan Buruk wasn't happy with his team's display, calling it “really weak.” “What annoys me most is that we lost the game even though our opponents played with 10 men,” he said, clearly disappointed with the team's effort.

Round of 16, here we come.#JUVEGS #UCL pic.twitter.com/i9yhv00NYI

— Galatasaray EN (@Galatasaray) February 25, 2026

Galatasaray's next challenge is the round of 16, and they'll be hoping to build on this narrow win. Despite the criticism, they've made it through to the knockout stage, and that's all that matters.

Juventus initially took the lead through Manuel Locatelli's penalty in the 30th minute, but their hopes were dashed when defender Lloyd Kelly was sent off shortly after the break, giving Galatasaray a strong advantage. Despite being a man down, Juventus fought back with goals from Federico Gatti (70') and Weston McKennie (82'), forcing the game into extra time.

Galatasaray coach Okan Buruk wasn't impressed with his team's performance, saying, “I was annoyed and surprised on the sidelines. Our players' performance was really weak.”

Galatasaray Edge Juventus in Thriller

Galatasaray scraped into the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League, thanks to late goals from Victor Osimhen (105+2) and Baris Alper Yilmaz (119). Coach Okan Buruk acknowledged his team's flaws, saying it was an “important evening to recognise weaknesses.” After the 5-2 first-leg win, Buruk had thought Galatasaray could “make it to the final,” but the second leg was a different story.

Buruk wasn't impressed with his team's performance, saying, “I was annoyed and surprised on the sidelines. Our players' performance was really weak.” Galatasaray will need to improve if they're to go far in the competition.

The 52-year-old coach views his team's lackluster performance as a wake-up call to make necessary adjustments. “It was an important evening to recognise weaknesses,” Okan Buruk said, hinting at changes to come.

“For me as a coach, it was a good evening to improve my team. It was important to recognise our weaknesses. I'll discuss that with the players and it will help us in the round of 16.”

The Lions from Istanbul are through to the last 16, and they'll face either Liverpool or Tottenham Hotspur next. The draw takes place on Friday at the UEFA headquarters in Nyon - Galatasaray are waiting to see who they'll take on next.

WE ARE GALA! 🦁#UCL pic.twitter.com/SlsDtJSGTh

— Galatasaray SK (@GalatasaraySK) February 25, 2026