Galatasaray vs AZ Prediction 20 February 2025
🔊 Is everything decided in the two-legged tie between Galatasaray and AZ Alkmaar? Last week, the Dutch team crushed their opponent (4-1) and almost guaranteed their advancement to the next round of the Europa League. However, the return leg will take place at Rams Park, and the Turkish club, using the home advantage, might attempt a comeback. In this situation, we will try to analyze all the details to provide you with an accurate prediction.
Head-to-Head
So far, AZ Alkmaar surpasses Galatasaray in all respects. In the current Europa League campaign, the teams have met twice on the field, and in both instances, the Dutch team looked more favorable. If on November 28, Okan Buruk's squad managed to take a draw from the Netherlands (1-1), then last week in the first leg of the playoffs, they were utterly destroyed (1-4).
Head-to-head statistics Galatasaray - AZ
Galatasaray Istanbul Team Overview
The reigning champion of Turkey is performing very well in the domestic championship. Galatasaray has secured 4 consecutive victories and continues to maintain its lead in the league standings. Last weekend, the team defeated Rizespor away, thanks to a brace by Victor Osimhen (2-1). However, things aren't as rosy for Okan Buruk's squad on the European stage. First, Galatasaray missed out on a direct ticket to the round of 16 playoffs in the Europa League after losing to Ajax in the final group stage match (1-2), and then suffered a crushing defeat from AZ Alkmaar in the first leg of the knockout round (1-4). Of course, the early red card for Kaan Ayhan played a role, after which the Turkish team's defense fell apart. But the result is on the scoreboard. Regarding the upcoming clash, besides the Turkish defender, several other key players from the starting lineup will be unable to play, including Álvaro Morata, Mauro Icardi, and Yunus Akgün.
Match Results: Galatasaray Istanbul
AZ Alkmaar Team Overview
After a not-so-successful January, AZ Alkmaar has started to reach peak form again. The team approaches the upcoming clash with a series of 4 victories, winning each time by a margin of 2 goals or more. In the first match against Galatasaray, the Dutch team was particularly strong in attack - 17 shots (9 on target), 5 created goal-scoring opportunities, and 3.89 xG. Moreover, the team skipped a round in the national championship last weekend, giving them a chance to rest before the important return leg. Regarding the upcoming encounter, the coaching staff will be unable to rely on 3 players, but all of them have been in the infirmary for a while.
Match Results: AZ Alkmaar
⚽️ Goal Prediction
This season, Galatasaray is playing extremely attacking football and often scores 3-4 times per game. In the Turkish Championship, Okan Buruk's team is second only to Fenerbahçe in terms of goals scored (59 goals compared to 60). There is no doubt that in the upcoming match, the threat will come solely from the Turkish club. After all, it is the hosts who need to overcome a 3-goal deficit. We believe that in such a situation, a bet on Galatasaray's total goals over 1.5 will succeed without any issues.
🚩 Corner Prediction
This season, Galatasaray has an abnormally high average total of corners earned. The team approaches the corner flag an average of 6.9 times per game, which is one of the best figures not only in the Turkish Championship but also in Europe. Yes, in the first match, Okan Buruk's team executed only 1 corner kick, but they were forced to play defensively due to an early red card. Considering that in the upcoming match the hosts will be playing from a position of strength, our betting option will be Galatasaray's total corners over 4.5.
Editor's Prediction
According to the bookmakers, Galatasaray is the clear favorite for this particular match. Overall, we see no reason to disagree with them. Initially, Okan Buruk's team had more chances to advance to the next round of the Europa League. The Turkish club has a more balanced squad, many stars in the roster, and is having a much more stable season than AZ Alkmaar. However, there are situations when a team completely fails due to external circumstances, such as a red card. Now, the hosts have no choice but to push forward and seek their fortune at the opponent's goal. Considering that since the beginning of September, the "Lions" have failed to win at home only in 4 instances (12 wins and 4 draws), our key betting option will be a Galatasaray victory. We dare to predict that regular time will end with a score of 3-0, and the ticket to the next round will be decided in a penalty shootout.
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Betting Tips: Galatasaray Istanbul - AZ Alkmaar
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Comparison of Teams Stats
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