Manchester United face a crucial test in their Champions League campaign as they travel to Turkey to take on Galatasaray on Wednesday. The match comes with a history of intimidation and emotion, as the two clubs have clashed in some memorable encounters in the past.
The first meeting between the sides was in 1993, when United were making their return to the European Cup after a 25-year absence. They were drawn against Galatasaray in the second round, and expected to progress easily. However, they were stunned by a 3-3 draw at Old Trafford, with Eric Cantona sent off in the dying minutes. The second leg in Istanbul was even more dramatic, as United were greeted by a hostile crowd of 35,000 fans, who chanted “Welcome to Hell” and threw objects at the players. The match ended in a goalless draw, which meant Galatasaray advanced on away goals. United manager Alex Ferguson later described it as “the most intimidating atmosphere I ever played in”.
The rivalry was reignited in 2012, when the teams met again in the group stage of the Champions League. United had already qualified for the knockout round, but Galatasaray needed a win to keep their hopes alive. The home fans created another raucous atmosphere, with flares, banners and noise filling the Turk Telekom Arena. Galatasaray won 1-0, thanks to a goal from Burak Yilmaz, and celebrated wildly. United defender Rio Ferdinand said after the game: “That’s the best atmosphere I’ve ever played in”.
The stakes are even higher this time, as both teams are fighting for a place in the last 16. United are second in Group A, with six points from four games, while Galatasaray are third, with four points. A win for United would secure their qualification, while a defeat would leave them in danger of missing out. Galatasaray, meanwhile, need a win to keep pace with leaders Bayern Munich, who have nine points.
Both teams are in good form, having won their domestic matches at the weekend. United beat West Ham 3-0, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring his 15th goal of the season. Galatasaray beat Kayserispor 4-1, with Mauro Icardi netting a hat-trick. The Turkish champions have also been unbeaten in their last 15 games in all competitions, while United have lost only once in their last 10.
The match promises to be a thrilling contest, with both teams boasting plenty of quality and experience. United have the likes of Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba, while Galatasaray have Icardi, Wilfried Zaha, Steven Nzonzi and Radamel Falcao. The key battle could be between the two managers, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Fatih Terim, who have both faced criticism and pressure in their jobs. Solskjaer has been under fire for United’s inconsistent performances, while Terim has been accused of favouring certain players and clashing with the board.
The match will also be an emotional one for some players, who have connections with both clubs. United midfielder Nemanja Matic played for Galatasaray on loan in 2013, while Galatasaray defender Martin Linnes was a United fan as a child. United striker Edinson Cavani, who is doubtful for the game due to injury, scored his first Champions League goal against Galatasaray in 2013, when he played for Napoli.
The game will kick off at 9:00 pm local time (7:00 pm GMT) on Wednesday, and will be broadcast live on BT Sport in the UK and beIN Sports in Turkey. It will also be available to stream online on the UEFA website and app.
