Galatasaray travel to face Goztepe SK on Saturday evening in their final away fixture of the 2024–25 Turkish Super Lig campaign, fresh off sealing their 25th league title and securing a historic fifth star.
Cimbom are on 89 points, eight points ahead of second-placed Fenerbahce with two matches left to play, making them mathematically uncatchable.
Match preview
Last weekend’s emphatic 3-0 victory over Kayserispor confirmed Cimbon’s third successive Super Lig crown and wrapped up a domestic double, having already clinched the Turkish Cup with another 3-0 triumph over Trabzonspor.
It has been a season of dominance for Okan Buruk‘s side, who scored more goals (87) than any other team in the division and were only denied an invincible league campaign by a 2-1 defeat to Besiktas in March, a result that also ended their league-record 17-game away winning streak.
Despite occasional criticism this season, Buruk has guided Galatasaray to glory yet again, thanks in large part to the attacking firepower at his disposal.
The loan signing of Victor Osimhen proved a masterstroke, with the Nigerian striker netting 25 league goals, the most of any player, to fill the void left by Mauro Icardi‘s season-ending injury.
Saturday’s clash may carry little weight for the champions, but Galatasaray are unlikely to ease off, especially with Osimhen and several others still chasing personal accolades.
For Goztepe, this will be their final home match of what has been a successful first season back in the top flight after a two-year absence.
Stanimir Stoilov has guided his side to eighth place, and with 36 points collected at Gursel Aksel Stadium, only Fenerbahce and Galatasaray boast better home records this term.
However, they were on the wrong end of a 6-3 thriller against Rizespor last weekend, a result that exposed their defensive issues, particularly on the road where they have shipped 33 goals.
While fatigue appears to have caught up with the Izmir-based club, they will be desperate to sign off at home with a statement win against the newly crowned champions.
Team News
With both Djalma Silva and Ismail Koybasi sidelined through injury, Lasse Nielsen is set to start at left wing-back for Goztepe.
Isaac Solet and Dogan Erdogan are also unavailable, paving the way for Ahmed Ildiz to come into the starting XI, while Juan is also ruled out due to injury
Galatasaray will remain without Icardi, who sustained a cruciate ligament injury and will be unavailable until next season.
Dries Mertens is likely to start with Gabriel Sara suspended, while Fernado Muslera is also suspended, leaving Gunay Guvenc with an opportunity to start in goal.
Goztepe SK possible starting lineup:
Guvenc; Sallai, Sanchez, Bardakci, Elmali; Torreira, Lemina; Akgun, Mertens, Yilmaz; Osimhen
Galatasaray possible starting lineup:
Lis; Heliton, Gunter, Bokele; Nielsen, Dennis, Ildiz, Bayrak; Romulo, Tijanic, Kanatsizkus
We say: Goztepe SK 1-2 Galatasaray
With the title already sealed, Galatasaray may rotate but still possess enough quality to see off Goztepe.
The hosts have been strong at home, so this should be a competitive contest, but with Osimhen chasing the Golden Boot and Gala’s depth, the champions are still tipped to edge it.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
