Europa League (Knock-out, 2nd-Leg) 2009/10
Galatasaray vs Atletico Madrid
Ali Sami Yen Stadyumu (İstanbul), 26 February 2010, Kick-off, 02:00 (GMT +8:00)
Galatasaray
Galatasaray were fortunate to come back to Turkey with a draw and now hold the advantage of an away goal. On top of that, the Turkish club are also unbeaten at Istanbul.
Galatasaray drew 1-1 at Besiktas at the weekend but it should not be a major concern as they thumped Besiktas 3-0 at this venue last September. Given that they drew 1-1 with Atletico in the first leg, is it possible to see the same reverse 3-0 scoreline tonight as well?
The home team thumped Ankaraspor 3-0 in their last home match and in Europe this season, they won all but one match at home.
They have also managed to keep 4 clean sheets in 6 home Europa League matches.
However, Frank Rijkaard may miss the services of key duo Arda Turan and Sabri Sarioglu. Rijkaard is not unfamiliar with Atletico, given his time as head coach of Barcelona and it was no wonder that he managed outwit the Spaniards in the first leg and steal a draw. That could ultimately play to the advantage of the TUrkish side tonight.
Abdul Kader Keita, the goalscorer in the first leg is available for this match and would be focal point of any Galatasaray attack. Atletico would do well to keep him quiet, which is unlikely.
Atletico Madrid
Atletico are paying the price for failing to translate their dominance in the first-leg into goals.
Unfortunately for them, they are set to miss the services of goalkeeper David De Rea tonight and even with the riches in attacking talents, Atletico have so often been let down by their defence. In Europe this season, they lost all but one of their away matches in the group stage of the Champions' League and only managed a 1-1 draw at minnows APOEL, which also provided them with their first away goal.
Atletico flattered to deceive in beating Barcelona 2-1 at home a fortnight ago and have not won their following two matches, losing 1-0 at Almeria last weekend. Their away woes are likely to be compounded by Galatasaray tonight.
Match Prediction
Galatasaray are a team on form at home and do not waste their 12th man advantage. It looks to be a mismatch tonight as Atletico are not having the best of form and this has been the story of their season so far. Despite the presence of Diego Forlan, Sergio Aguero & Jose Reyes, Atletico seem to always make it hard for themselves to win matches. Galatasaray on the other hand have made scoring three or more goals at home a habit and tonight may see 3 more for them. Atletico could still score tonight and a 3-2 win for Galatasaray could be a possibility.
Galatasaray to edge Atletico Madrid 3-2 draw @ 26 offered by 12Bet. Click this link now!
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