Champions League: Bayern Munich vs Galatasaray Head-to-Head
Bayern Munich Win Clinches Knockout Stage Berth
Bavarians on 37-Game Group Stage Unbeaten Run
When Galatasaray took on Bayern Munich in the Champions League group stage a few weeks ago, it was one of the most entertaining matches in the competition thus far. The two teams will face off again on Wednesday on Matchday 4 as Galatasaray seek revenge. Bayern Munich won 3-1 on Matchday 3, but Galatasaray was a worthy opponent for the Bavarians. Bayern are now on a ridiculous 37-game unbeaten run in the Champions League group stage. We’ll see the chances that the streak ends as we preview the Bayern Munich vs Galatasaray head-to-head odds.
Bayern Munich vs Galatasaray
Day/Time: Location: Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany
Head-to-Head:
A few weeks ago, Bayern Munich and Galatasaray met for the first time on the UCL schedule. Kingsley Coman opened up the scoring for Bayern in the eighth minute, and Mauro Icardi equalized on a penalty in the 30th. Harry Kane and Jamal Musiala added goals for Bayern as the Bavarians got a 3-1 road win. Although the scoreline ended up being comfortable for Bayern, Galatasaray had a lot of chances and caused some problems. It was the first match between the sides since the 1972-73 European Cup first round. There, Bayern drew 1-1 and won 6-0 to advance.
Bayern Dominant in UCL Group Stage
Thomas Tuchel’s Bayern Munich got a statement win on Saturday in Der Klassiker. Harry Kane marked his first derby match vs. Borussia Dortmund with a hat trick as the Bavarians cruised to a 4-0 win. It was an excellent response from Bayern, given what happened midweek. They shockingly lost 2-1 to third-tier Saarbrucken in the DFB-Pokal last Wednesday. Bayern does seem to be able to turn it on in big matches, though, especially in the Champions League.
Bayern Munich is a ridiculous 34-3-0 in their last 37 UCL group-stage games. They’re also one of just four perfect teams through three matches of 2023-24. They’re among the favorites to win the competition, with +450 Champions League odds. With Manuel Neuer back in the fold, only one of Bayern’s key players is injured now. Matthijs de Ligt suffered an MCL injury in the DFB-Pokal loss, and the center back will be out until January.
While Bayern have only conceded seven goals in 10 Bundesliga matches, they’ve given up five goals in their first three UCL games. Still, they’ve managed to outscore their opponents 9-5 as Kane, Jamal Musiala, and Mathys Tel have all scored twice. Heading into this Bayern Munich vs Galatasaray head-to-head matchup, Bayern have outscored their opponents 18-0 in their last three home games, in all competitions.
Zaha Brace for Galatasaray
Galatasaray have won ten straight games in the Turkish Super Lig, and it certainly looks like they’re capable of defending their title. Last Friday, Wilfried Zaha scored twice as Galatasaray picked up a 2-1 win over Kasimpasa in Istanbul. Unfortunately, captain and goalkeeper Fernando Muslera dislocated his elbow in the match and will miss this critical match at Bayern Munich.
Gunay Guvenc is expected to start vs. Bayern Munich on Wednesday, and it’ll be his first start of the season. Galatasaray have lost just once this season, in the reverse fixture to Bayern, and have been excellent otherwise. Bettors wanting to take their soccer lines should note that Galatasaray is currently on a 16-game scoring streak, in all competitions.
More often than not, it’s been Mauro Icardi on the scoresheet for the Istanbul club. Icardi, a former PSG and Inter Milan striker, has scored 10 Super Lig goals and two UCL group-stage goals so far. Kerem Akturkoglu has been another key player for Galatasaray and he was constantly in good positions in the last match vs. Bayern. Bettors may also recognize names like Lucas Torreira, Hakim Ziyech, and Dries Mertens.
Match Analysis & Odds
Following their big win over Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich are two-goal favorites for this Champions League match. Bayern are well aware of their unbeaten run in the competition and will undoubtedly be motivated to extend it. The Bayern Munich vs Galatasaray head-to-head odds price the hosts as -480 moneyline favorites.
Incredibly, Bayern Munich have won their last 16 UCL group stage games and are vying for a third straight perfect record pre-knockout stage. With that in mind, it’s no surprise that Galatasaray are +1000 underdogs, but this still doesn’t figure to be such an easy game for Bayern. Galatasaray hung with Bayern for the vast majority of the reverse fixture and even outshot the Bavarians last time around. Galatasaray is only one point ahead of Manchester United and knows picking up a result here is crucial.
Bayern -2 shows -115 odds for this one, but don’t be surprised if Galatasaray can keep this one close. Galatasaray +2 at -105 is an intriguing pick, but it will take a lot of discipline for the Turkish side to stay in this one. This is expected to be a goal fest, as both teams are on long scoring streaks. Over 3.5, 4 goals come in at -115 odds, and a draw is priced at +650 odds for what should be one of the matches of the week.
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