Galatasaray – Real M. 09.04.2013

Galatasaray are in an extremely difficult position before the Champions League quarter-final return leg against Real Madrid, following the 3:0 defeat at Santiago Bernabeu. Meanwhile the visitors will be under no pressure at Turk Telekom Arena with the semi-finals berth in their pocket. Therefore, we should expect quite a few goals this Tuesday in Istanbul.

The 3-1 victory over Mersin in Turkish Super Lig set the team on course to defend the domestic league title as they are four points clear of bitter rivals Fenerbahce in the standings. Meanwhile, Fatih Terim’s team didn’t really deserve a heavy defeat against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final first leg at Santiago Bernabeu, as the Turks’ display in the first half of the game was not that bad at all. Nevertheless, they failed to materialize a few chances they had to score a vital goal, so now they are facing a very difficult task in the return leg against the Spanish champions. It is evident that the Dutch playmaker Wesley Sneider is totally out of form, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if he starts the game on the bench. Given that Galata will be very motivated to get revenge on Real Madrid, we should see a very good performance from the home side, although they are likely to be eliminated from the competition. Didier Drogba is eager to continue his goal-scoring run following his amazing lob against Mersin at the weekend.

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Real Madrid are in with a good chance of winning their tenth European Cup in the club’s history. Los Blancos managed to keep a clean sheet in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final against Galatasaray and with three goals scored by CR7, Benzema and Higuain, the team have one foot in the semis. Despite the 3:0 victory in the first leg, Cristiano Ronaldo was rested at the weekend in the first half of the match against Levante, which means the Portuguese coach takes this return leg very seriously. Where some of Mourinho’s previous sides might have paid too much attention to defence, this Madrid team have been pretty impressive up front. The team have been showing a lot of improvement lately, so there is every chance we will see a very similar encounter to that played a week ago. Jose Mourinho is always hungry for success and wants to win every single match, therefore, Real Madrid look set for another promising display in Istanbul.