Galatasaray will head to Turin with a three-goal cushion after overturning a deficit to defeat Juventus in a breathless opening leg of their Champions League knockout phase play-off.
The Turkish side fell 2-1 behind by the interval despite striking first through Gabriel Sara. Juventus responded strongly, as Teun Koopmeiners netted twice within 17 minutes to swing the momentum in favour of the Serie A club before the break.
That rapid turnaround handed the visitors control at halftime, leaving Galatasaray needing a response after the restart.
Hosts rally after the interval
The home side delivered exactly that, mounting an impressive comeback to turn the tie on its head. Noa Lang and Davinson Sanchez both found the net before the hour mark, transforming a one-goal deficit into a 3-2 advantage.
Juventus’ problems deepened further when halftime substitute Juan Cabal was dismissed. The defender collected a second yellow card just 21 minutes after coming on, leaving his team reduced in numbers and trailing.
With the extra player, Galatasaray intensified their pressure. Lang capitalised on poor defending to score his second goal of the evening, extending the margin.
Sacha Boey then struck late to add a fifth, ensuring Okan Buruk’s men carry a significant advantage into the return fixture in Turin.