In a must-win encounter in the UEFA Europa League, Galatasaray prepares to take on Dutch side AZ Alkmaar in the fifth round of group fixtures. Scheduled to unfold at the AFAS Stadium, kick-off is set for 20:45 Turkish Time. The match will be officiated by Romanian referee Horatiu Fesnic.
Galatasaray, the yellow-red squad, has impressed on the European stage, boasting an impressive unbeaten record in the competition with four wins and three draws from eight matches. Currently sitting in third place with 3 points, they aim to secure another pivotal victory. One of the standout contributors has been the young talent Yunus Akgun, who has consistently found the net, scoring in every game this season in the UEFA Europa League. His tally has risen to six goals, having previously struck against PAOK, RFS, Elfsborg, and Tottenham.
Meanwhile, AZ Alkmaar occupies the sixth spot in the UEFA Europa League standings with 17 points under their belt. The Dutch outfit captivated attention this season with a significant 3-1 victory over Fenerbahce and has recorded four wins against two losses in their matches. However, they face a fierce battle ahead against Galatasaray, who are eager to enhance their position in the leadership race.
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Galatasaray enters this match on the back of an impressive streak, remaining unbeaten in their last 14 competitive games across all tournaments. Following only one defeat to Young Boys during the UEFA Champions League playoff, they have enjoyed four victories in ten outings in the Europa League alongside twelve wins in the Super League, maintaining their high morale and motivation.
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In the lead-up to this crucial clash, Galatasaray grapples with injury woes, as Mauro Icardi, Ismail Jakobs, Kaan Ayhan, and Roland Sallai will miss out. The absences of Icardi and Ayhan could potentially dampen the team’s attacking prowess, while Sallai’s unavailability could lead to tactical adjustments by the coaching staff.
Head of the technical team, Okan Buruk, stands out as the Turkish coach with the most victories in the UEFA Europa League, currently holding nine wins. He strives to notch his tenth against AZ Alkmaar, a milestone that would be a significant achievement for both his career and the club.
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AZ Alkmaar is noted for possessing the youngest squad in the UEFA Europa League, featuring talents like Jayden Addai, Wouter Goes, and Peer Koopmeiners, with an average squad age of just 23.7 years. This youthful exuberance, coupled with the guidance of seasoned players, poses a formidable threat to their opponents.
As Galatasaray targets a blend of team cohesion and individual brilliance for this challenging match, the performance of AZ Alkmaar’s youthful lineup against experienced foes will be closely scrutinized. The implications of the match could be significant for both teams, with Galatasaray keen on advancing in the group standings.
This exciting fixture is not to be missed, as both sides are set to battle fiercely for victory, with Galatasaray eager to fortify their foothold in the group.
