Eintracht Frankfurt is hosting Galatasaray for their 1st round of the Champions League match at Deutsche Bank Park.
Facts
- The two sides last met back in 1992 in the UEFA Cup: the score was 0-0 in Germany, and 1-0 to Galatasaray in Turkey.
- In three of Eintracht’s last four European matches, the games ended with both teams scoring.
- There were under 2.5 goals in four of Eintracht’s last six matches in Europe.
- Each of Eintracht’s last five European games saw first-half goals.
- The final score was BTTS + over 2.5 in nine of Galatasaray’s last ten games in Europe.
- All ten of their Europa League matches last season ended with both teams scoring.
Betting Tip: Eintracht Frankfurt - Galatasaray
One of the most evenly balanced ties of the opening round. Frankfurt are steadily improving and moving up the European ladder, but Galatasaray remain a dangerous side. Given their approach and record, it would be a surprise if this doesn’t turn into an open, high-scoring game. Odds for over 2.5 goals scored are fair but not generous.
- Recommendation: Over 2.5
- Odds: 1.50 (at the time of writing)
Eintracht Frankfurt
Last season ended on a high: third place in the Bundesliga, a ticket to the Champions League, and plenty of praise for their modern, attack-minded football. They were not just fluid going forward, but also tactically disciplined, which is not always a hallmark of German sides. Dino Toppmöller stays in charge, now facing the biggest challenge of his career.
The main question is how the team will balance domestic and European demands. Their biggest loss was Hugo Ekitike, sold to Liverpool for €95m. Also gone: Tuta (centre back, Al Duhail SC), Paxten Aaronson (attacking midfield, Colorado Rapids), and Igor Matanovic (centre forward, Freiburg).
Replacing Ekitike is critical. New arrivals include Jonathan Burkardt (centre forward, Mainz 05), Ritsu Doan (right winger, Freiburg), Rasmus Kristensen (right back, Leeds), Michael Zetterer (goalkeeper, Werder Bremen), and Love Arrhov (attacking midfield, Brommapojkarna). Whether these can fill the void remains to be seen.
Galatasaray
Galatasaray was dominant domestically, sweeping last year’s Süper Lig by 11 points ahead of rivals Fenerbahce. They have three consecutive league titles now, scoring 91 goals in 36 games. They start the season as big favourites again.
Europe was less convincing: they reached the knockout phase of the Europa League but were eliminated in the first round by AZ Alkmaar (1-4, 2-2).
Okan Buruk continues as head coach. Their summer window was eye-catching, adding even more star power to an already strong squad.
They made permanent the deal for Victor Osimhen (centre forward, Napoli) after his loan spell, while also landing Leroy Sané (winger, Bayern Munich), Wilfried Singo (right back, AS Monaco), Ugurcan Çakır (goalkeeper, Trabzonspor), and Ismail Jakobs (left back, AS Monaco).
