Galatasaray begins its UEFA Champions League campaign with a match against Eintracht Frankfurt in Frankfurt, Germany. Galatasaray, Turkey's reigning domestic champions with a record 25 league titles and recent European successes including a UEFA Cup and Super Cup, aims to make an impact in Europe this season. The team has started the season strongly, winning all five league matches and leading the Turkish Süper Lig with a five-point gap over rivals Fenerbahçe. Key players include Baris Alper Yilmaz, Mauro Icardi, and Victor Osimhen, although Osimhen may be doubtful due to injury. Eintracht Frankfurt, third in last season’s Bundesliga, is eager to defend their European reputation after reaching the Europa League quarterfinals and last 16 in previous Champions League appearances. They have had a mixed start to their Bundesliga season, with two wins and a recent 3-1 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen, despite playing with a two-man advantage in that game. Their squad has seen significant changes, including the departure of Hugo Ekitike and Tuta, and new signings like Jonathan Burkardt and Ritsu Doan. Key players include Leroy Sane and Michy Batshuayi. The match will be a test of Galatasaray’s domestic form against Frankfurt’s high pressing and quick transition tactics. Victor Osimhen’s availability will influence Galatasaray’s attacking approach, with potential reliance on Mauro Icardi if Osimhen is unavailable. Both teams are expected to utilize set-pieces and exploit wide spaces in their tactical setups. Historically, Galatasaray has a modest European record, with only one win in their last 17 Champions League group matches and no wins in their last nine away European games. However, they have an unbeaten record against Frankfurt, including a 1992 UEFA Cup victory. The atmosphere is expected to be lively, especially with a strong contingent of Turkish supporters in Frankfurt, which could influence the match’s outcome. Overall, this opening fixture is crucial for both teams to set the tone in the group stage, with Galatasaray looking to translate their domestic success into European results and Frankfurt aiming to leverage their home advantage.