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Two years after their last run in the Champions League, Eintracht Frankfurt are back among Europe’s elite. Their return comes off the back of an impressive Bundesliga campaign, finishing third last season. Under head coach Dino Toppmöller, the German side has quickly found its rhythm, opening the new season with emphatic wins—4-1 against Werder Bremen and 3-1 away at Hoffenheim.
Their early momentum faced a real test in last Friday’s trip to Bayer Leverkusen, a clash that underlined the higher bar Frankfurt must clear this season. Even so, their attacking depth and growing confidence suggest they are ready to make a statement in Europe once again.
Squad news brings mixed fortunes. First-choice goalkeeper Kauã Santos has recovered from the injury that sidelined him since April, though Michael Zetterer may retain the gloves after solid performances. Veteran Mario Götze is doubtful, while new signing Jonathan Burkardt—brought in to offset the departure of Hugo Ekitike to Liverpool—is still chasing his first goal. In better news, Eliesse Bahoya (20, three goals in all competitions) and Ritsu Doan (four goals) have hit form early and will be central to Frankfurt’s attacking threat.
Galatasaray’s Domestic Dominance
On the other side, Galatasaray enter the group stage with high confidence after extending their domestic dominance. The three-time reigning Turkish champions have collected four straight league wins, three of them without conceding a goal. Their unbeaten run in all competitions now stretches back to March 29, underscoring their consistency at home.
Still, the Champions League has been a stumbling block. The Istanbul giants have failed to progress beyond the group stage in their last five appearances, and they will be determined to break that cycle this time around.
Their preparations have been dented by the injury to star striker Victor Osimhen (two goals), who picked up a knock during the international break. Midfielder Kaan Ayhan is also a doubt. However, Galatasaray’s transfer moves have added firepower: İlkay Gündoğan could make his long-awaited debut, while Leroy Sané—already on the scoresheet before the international pause—brings pace and creativity. Former PSG forward Mauro Icardi (two goals) and Barış Alper Yılmaz (three goals) will shoulder the attacking burden in Osimhen’s absence.
Tactical Outlook
Frankfurt are likely to lean on their home advantage, pressing high and looking to feed Bahoya and Doan in advanced areas. Burkardt’s work rate will also be important to stretch Galatasaray’s backline, even if he is yet to deliver goals.
Galatasaray, meanwhile, will rely on Sané’s dribbling and Icardi’s finishing to unsettle Frankfurt’s defense. Without Osimhen, they may play with more emphasis on wide combinations and quick transitions through midfield. Gündoğan’s potential inclusion adds both composure and experience in central areas.
Prediction
Both sides arrive with plenty of attacking potential, but also question marks at the back. Galatasaray’s record of scoring and conceding in each of their last 12 Champions League outings highlights their vulnerability, while Frankfurt have seen both teams score in 10 of their last 14 home matches.
Frankfurt’s firepower and home support should tilt the balance in their favor, though Galatasaray’s quality means they are more than capable of finding the net.
Prediction: Eintracht Frankfurt 3 – 1 Galatasaray
