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Galatasaray have secured a place in the UEFA Champions League last 16 after surviving a dramatic second leg fightback from Juventus at the Allianz Stadium.
The Turkish side progressed 7–5 on aggregate despite losing 3–2 after extra time on Wednesday night.
Juventus, staring down a huge mountain after a 5–2 first leg defeat in Istanbul, launched an aggressive response from the start in Turin.
BBC reports that Manuel Locatelli gave the hosts hope by converting a penalty just before half time, and after defender Lloyd Kelly was sent off early in the second half, Juve’s resolve only hardened.
In the second half, Federico Gatti headed Juventus level on the night and back into real contention, before Weston McKennie powered in a header in the 82nd minute to make it 3–0 on the night and draw the tie level 5–5 on aggregate at full time.
Read More: Real Madrid beat Benfica 3-1 on aggregate to reach Champions League last 16
Juventus’ spirited comeback, played mostly with ten men, had the home crowd on its feet and looked to be pushing the contest into their favour.
However, the tie took another twist in extra time as Victor Osimhen put Galatasaray back in front on aggregate early in the added period, and Barış Alper Yilmaz sealed the Turkish club’s progression with a late goal to complete the 7–5 aggregate victory.
Juventus, despite a valiant performance and emotional support from fans, will exit Europe with pride in their late rally but frustration at coming so close.
Galatasaray now await the draw for the round of 16, where they will likely face one of the competition’s traditional heavyweights.
Contributed by Emmanuel Lungu
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