[UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: Preview] Galatasaray has been given little chance against Real Madrid, but before dismissing its chances in their quarterfinal pairingat the Bernabeu on Wednesday, you should meet Gala’s legendary coach, accomplished players and fervent fans.
TV: Real Madrid-Galatasaray(Wednesday: 2:45pm ET, Fox Soccer).
WIDE LOOK: Galatasaray finished second to Manchester United in Group H, beating United in Istanbul, Real Madridfinished second in the group of death. Madrid beat United in the round of 16, helped by a red card in the second leg at Old Trafford. Gala tied Schalke 04 at home, 1-1, advancing with an impressive3-2 victory in Germany.
Gala’s currently first in Turkey’s Super Lig. Madrid’s a distant second in La Liga, with Coach JoseMourinho having conceded the title to Barcelona.
THE EMPEROR: Fatih Terim is in his third stint atGalatasaray, and he’s part of modern Turkish soccer fabric. He captained Galatasaray in over 300 games and captained Turkey in 35 of his 51 appearances. The 59-year-old Terim coached Fiorentinaand AC Milan and took the Turkish national team to two Euros, including the semifinals in 2008. Several publications named the “Emperor” among the top 10 coaches in the world, and Mourinhohimself is quite fond of the vibrant Turkish icon.
“I’ve known Jose for many years,” Terim said. “He’s not your typical coach, he’s different. We have always enjoyed a good friendship andthe game between us will not change that.”
TURKISH CREDENTIALS: Burak Yilmaz is tied with
Didier Drogba, 35, scored the winning penalty in last year’s final for Chelsea, where Mourinho once coached him.
RABID FANS: Galatasaray’s fans were found
THE SKINNY: Raphael Varaneis back healthy. Just 19, the defender is already pivotal for Madrid, and has the size to match Yilmaz. Strikers Gonzalo Higuain and Karim Benzema are in poor form, but Angel di Maria is back, and Los Merengues also have some winger named Ronaldo.
Galatasaray hasthree wins and one loss on the road in this year’s UCL, and will not be intimidated on Wednesday. It wants just one thing to take back to Turkey, a scoreline that makes the second legrelevant.
If Mourinho wants control of Madrid’s destiny, it will only come by dominating on Wednesday, and he’ll be anxious to avoid a crapshoot in Istanbul.
Likely Mou’s last stand at Madrid. He will have Los Blanco’s ready. If they play up to there ability no one can beat them. If they play like they did this past weekend then Galat. has a shot. 3-1 Madrid at home 1-1 draw in Turkey. Spain vs Germany final.