Galatasaray to overcome frustration after false start in the league?

Galatasaray are on course for the group stage of the 2023/24 Champions League. With an emphatic victory (3-0) in Ljubljana last week, the Turkish record champions have already set the course for the play-offs and are not even under any pressure to win in the second leg. Nevertheless, it is by no means out of the question to bet on the hosts in the match between Galatasaray and Ljubljana.

The visitors from Slovenia will have to risk a lot to make a comeback. If Galatasaray make the most of their offensive freedom, the Turkish record champions will have a chance to work off some frustration after their false start in the Süper Lig.

Although there is no obligation to win, it is obvious that GS coach Okan Buruk will also tackle the second leg of the qualifying campaign in his best line-up. It is also likely that summer newcomer Zaha, who was spared last week due to a lack of international training, will make his first start.

As in Ljubljana, it is obvious – at least in our opinion – that Galatasaray will secure another clear victory and thus also improve their home record on the international stage. Cimbom” have lost only once in their last seven UEFA European Cup matches at home. Our Galatasaray vs. Ljubljana prediction therefore also aims for another victory for the Lions.

Galatasaray – Statistics & current form

Last weekend, the Turkish record champions also started the league competition. With the draw in Kayseri, Galatasaray dropped important points and even narrowly missed a defeat. The result was a surprise, however, as Galatasaray had won 3-0 at Ljubljana earlier in the week, taking a big step towards the play-offs.

The second leg against the Slovenian champions will now take place in front of a home crowd. Galatasaray only have to manage the good result from the first leg. At home, however, the Istanbul Lions are confident of another win, as “Cimbom” have lost only one of their last seven home games on the international stage.

In this period, the only defeat was against FC Barcelona. It would therefore be all the more surprising if the record in Istanbul deteriorates again against a team like NK Olimpija Ljubljana. The only question that will probably arise is with what result Galatasaray will win this time against the Slovenians.

Do the Lions show a defiant reaction?

Compared to the performance in the first leg against NK Olimpija, the Turkish record champions’ performance last weekend was disappointing. The Lions were particularly disappointing on the offensive, which was partly due to the fact that GS coach Okan Buruk was still resting his star players such as Icardi and Zaha at the start of the game.

It remains to be seen how the Turkish record champions will perform against NK Olimpija Ljubljana, but it cannot be ruled out that Galatasaray will now vent their frustrations after their poor performance in the league. Bets on that have value, because the Slovenian guests will have to risk a lot in the match in Istanbul.

GS coach Okan Buruk will probably only have to do without Zaniolo for the return match in front of his home crowd due to injury. According to media reports, the Italian is set for a move to Italy anyway, so it stands to reason that Buruk will continue to do without his winger even when he recovers.

Predicted line-up of Galatasaray:
Muslera; Boey, Nelsson, Bardakci, Karatas; Midtsjo, Kutlu; Yilmaz, Mertens, Aktürkoglu; Icardi

Ljubljana – Statistics & current form

Making it into the third round of CL qualifying, NK Olimpija Ljubljana marked their best result on the international stage so far. Against Galatasaray, the adventure in the top flight is now drawing to a close. A comeback is rather unrealistic after the 0:3 in the first leg, the question is rather with which total score Ljubljana will now say goodbye.

The next defeat is looming in Istanbul. This assessment is also supported by the recent form curve of the “Zmaji” on foreign soil. Season and competition-wide, NK Olimpija Ljubljana have won only one of their last eight away games.

It would therefore be more than surprising if Ljubljana were to overcome the difficult hurdle in Istanbul in their current form. However, bettors who would like to make a prediction on Galatasaray vs. Ljubljana can also use the bookmaker Oddset. For new customers, there is also a deposit bonus there.

Will the Zmaji take the momentum from the league with them?

In the Slovenian PrvaLiga, Olimpija Ljubljana refuelled their confidence ahead of the second leg in Istanbul. The Green-Whites won their home match against NK Domzale 2-1 to score three points for the second time in their last three league matches. Once again, however, in front of a home crowd.

The only encouraging thing on the road is the “Zmaji’s” recent goal tally. So far, the Slovenian champions have scored at least one goal in each of their three away games this season. It is possible that NK Olimpija will continue the streak in Istanbul.

Head coach Joao Henriques has no new personnel worries compared to last week and can draw on a full complement of players. Compared to the first leg, the Portuguese will risk much more this time. Therefore, at least three goals in the match are likely this time as well.

Predicted line-up of Ljubljana:
Vidovsek; Silva, Ratnik, Karamatic, Sualehe; Elsnik, Doffo; Seslar, Posavec, Fadida; Pedro

Galatasaray – Ljubljana Direct comparison / H2H record

The two clubs met for the first time ever last week. Galatasaray won the premiere duel 3-0 on foreign soil to lead the H2h against NK Olimpija Ljubljana.

Galatasaray – Ljubljana Tip

Galatasaray will go into the second leg against NK Olimpija Ljubljana with a broad chest. The lions from Istanbul have already set the course for the playoffs in the first leg. After all, the match was won 3:0 away from home. Even with a defeat in the second leg – provided they are only two goals behind – Galatasaray can still qualify for the next round in the regular season.

Accordingly, there is room for rotation for GS coach Okan Buruk. After the poor performance in the league, however, it would be more than surprising if Buruk approaches the home match against Ljubljana with a second guard.

We expect the next clear victory for the Yellow-Red and tend to bet on “HT/FT: 1/1” for the match between Galatasaray vs. Ljubljana. We are betting five out of ten possible units. The best odds for our prediction are currently offered by Bet365.