Galatasaray encounters difficulties in European competitions, securing victory in only a single match out of the past 18 UEFA games.
Galatasaray, the Turkish powerhouse, has been making waves domestically with their impressive performances. However, their European results suggest a different story, as they struggle against higher-intensity opponents in the UEFA Champions League.
Their latest setback came in the Champions League group stage opener against Eintracht Frankfurt, where they suffered a 5-1 defeat. This outcome contrasts sharply with their domestic success, raising questions about the effectiveness of their system in European competition.
One of the key areas of concern is the performance of their high-profile goalkeeper, Ugurcan Cakir. After a heavy investment of €36 million, including bonuses, Cakir has not yet delivered the expected results in Champions League matches. His recent performances have been under scrutiny, with 11 goals conceded in two major international matches.
Cakir's struggles in the Champions League have highlighted systemic issues within the team. Despite a strong defensive record in the Süper Lig, Galatasaray has struggled defensively on the continental stage. In their last 18 group-stage matches in the Champions League, they have drawn five and lost 11.
The backline often collapses under the higher tempo and physicality of European competition, a challenge that seems to be particularly difficult for Cakir. In their last 10 continental road games, Galatasaray has conceded 26 goals and scored 12, with their previous away win being against Manchester United in the 2023-24 Champions League season.
Coach Okan Buruk, who employs a tactical approach focused on strong recruitment and building a powerful squad, has come under scrutiny for his team's European performances. Despite his efforts to sustain domestic success and achieve new standards in European competitions, his teams have often exited in the group stages, as with Galatasaray in 2023/24 and İstanbul Başakşehir in 2020/21.
The performance of Cakir, as a high-profile signing, has not met expectations in the Champions League, negatively impacting Galatasaray's European ambitions. The tactical and psychological weaknesses of the team are more exposed in European competition due to opponents attacking more directly.
As Galatasaray continues to navigate the European stage, they will need to address these issues to compete at the highest level in the Champions League. The spotlight remains on Cakir and the team's ability to adapt to the demands of European competition.
