Overview
The return match between Galatasaray and AZ is no longer meaningful because the Dutch representative has a huge advantage after the first leg. AZ took advantage of their home advantage to defeat Galatasaray with a score of 4-1. With a big gap, the chance for Galatasaray to turn the situation around is very small.
AZ only need a draw to advance, even if they lose by 1 or 2 goals, they will still go to the next round. Therefore, coach Maarten Martens' team does not need to play an open game with their opponents. They just need to play slowly, prioritize solidity and not let Galatasaray speed up the pace of the match.
Galatasaray often plays very well at home, but defeating AZ by 3 goals is still a very difficult task. Even if they are too passionate about attacking, Galatasaray may have to pay a heavy price because AZ is also a very good counter-attacking football team. Galatasaray could win, but it will not be enough to balance the 3-goal gap of the first leg.
Galatasaray will have high expectations for Victor Osimhen and Yunus Akgun, the pair who have scored five goals in the Europa League this season. However, the home team will need a miracle to turn the tables against AZ, a team with impressive scoring form. The duo Sven Mijnans and Troy Parrott on the away team have scored a total of 4 goals each in the European arena this season.
Personnel situation
Galatasaray will welcome back Davinson Sanchez, Lucas Torreira and Victor Osimhen after suspension. However, Alvaro Morata, Mauro Icardi, Yunus Akgun and Ismail Jakobs are all unable to play due to injury. Meanwhile, defender Kaan Ayhan is suspended.
On the other side of the front line, AZ is without Ruben van Bommel, Sem Westerveld and Ibrahim Sadiq due to injury. Kristijan Belic will return from suspension and can start in midfield.
Expected lineup:
Galatasaray: Muslera, Jelert, Sanchez, Bardakci, Kutlu, Torreira, Sara, Sallai, becauseens, Yilmaz, Osimhen.
AZ Alkmaar: Owusu-Oduro, Kasius, Goes, Penetra, Wolfe, clasie, Koopmeiners, Poku, Mijnans, Lahdo, Parrott.
The match between Galatasaray and AZ takes place at 0:45 am on February 21 (Vietnam time).
