Champions League: Galatasaray vs Bayern Head to Head Preview
Winner To Top of Group A
Teams Put Unbeaten Records on the Line
Galatasaray and Bayern Munich are two of a select few teams unbeaten in their respective domestic leagues this season. On Tuesday, the two clubs will meet in the UEFA Champions League for the first time. Galatasaray is coming off a 2-1 derby win over Besiktas, while Bayern Munich also won at the weekend. The winner of this Group A match will go on top of the group and both teams are unbeaten in their first two UCL games. In our Galatasaray vs Bayern head-to-head preview, we’ll take a look at the latest Champions League odds and team news.
⚽ Galatasaray vs Bayern Munich ⚽
Day/Time: Location: Rams Park, Istanbul, Turkey
Head-to-Head:
The Galatasaray vs Bayern Munich head-to-head history isn’t very extensive. These teams have only met in the first round of the 1972-73 European Cup. Bayern drew 1-1 vs. Galatasaray in Turkey and picked up a 6-0 win in Munich to advance.
Galatasaray Unbeaten in All Competitions
Galatasaray has played 17 matches this season, in all competitions, and has put together an impressive 14-3-0 record. The Turkish giants have won six consecutive games, including a 3-2 comeback at Manchester United in their last Champions League match. Galatasaray has been a great pick for soccer betting this season. Over the weekend, Galatasaray managed to defeat bitter Istanbul rivals Besiktas 2-1.
Mauro Icardi opened up the scoring in the 26th minute. Then, Besiktas goalkeeper Mert Gunok got sent off for a poor challenge outside of the box a few minutes later. Even so, Besiktas got an equalizer through Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in the second half. Galatasaray won a penalty with just under 10 minutes to play which Icardi slotted home to give the hosts a seventh straight Super Lig victory. They’re on top of the table in the Super Lig and are 1-1-0 in the UCL. Galatasaray fell behind 2-0 to Copenhagen in their opener but came back to preserve a draw.
Icardi has been Galatsaray’s most productive player this season, with 11 goals in 11 Super Lig and UCL group-stage games. Galatasaray also have some recognizable names on their roster, like Fernando Muslera, Wilfried Zaha, Davinson Sanchez, Hakim Ziyech, Lucas Torreira, and Dries Mertens. Ziyech has missed a bunch of matches this season due to injury and is considered a doubt for Tuesday. Galatasaray are in one of the most difficult Champions League groups, with Man United and Bayern, but certainly have a chance to go through.
Bayern’s Dominance Continues
With the 2-1 comeback win at FC Copenhagen three weeks ago, Bayern Munich has now won 15 Champions League group stage games in a row. Super sub Mathys Tel scored the decisive goal for a second straight UCL match. Bayern’s recent UCL scores have been ridiculous as they’re also unbeaten in their last 36 group-stage games. During that time, they’ve put together a 33-3-0 record.
Even though they’re playing a team that hasn’t lost a match since April, it’s no surprise that Bayern are favorites heading into this match. The Bavarians managed a 3-1 road win at Mainz on Saturday. Kingsley Coman, Harry Kane, and Leon Goretzka all got on the scoresheet in the match. Kane has started justifying his €100 million price tag, with nine goals in eight Bundesliga games.
Since August’s DFL-Supercup loss vs. RB Leipzig, Bayern Munich have scored at least twice in all of their games. Along with Kane, Leroy Sane has provided a lot of goals for Bayern. The German international winger has six Bundesliga goals so far. For Tuesday’s match, Noussair Mazraoui, Raphael Guerreiro, and Dayot Upamecano are out for Bayern. Meanwhile, Serge Gnabry is working his way back to full fitness.
Match Analysis & Odds
This is one of the most important matches on the Champions League schedule this week. Galatasaray vs Bayern head-to-head previews mention that both teams have scored at least twice in each of their first two UCL games. Both teams to score figures to be a popular bet and it comes in at -165 odds here. Galatasaray are +500 underdogs for this one but are 7-1-0 in home matches this season.
Still, they haven’t played a team of Bayern Munich’s caliber for quite some time. Bayern, in just their second-ever match at Galatasaray, are -225 favorites. Bettors can also take Bayern -1, -1.5 at -110 odds, along with Galatasaray +1, +1.5. A draw sits at +425 and it would ensure that Bayern stays on top of Group A.
Both keepers could be busy in this one and Sven Ulreich continues to deputize for Bayern Munich while Manuel Neuer works himself back from a serious leg injury. Although no one would be surprised if this is a goal fest, under three goals are priced at -130 odds.
For UCL betting news, odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.
