The second leg of the Europa League 2024/25 playoff between Galatasaray (Turkey) and AZ Alkmaar (Netherlands) will take place on February 20 at the Rams Park Stadium in Istanbul. The first match ended 4-1 in favor of AZ Alkmaar. Galatasaray vs. AZ Alkmaar: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Galatasaray
The last two visits to the Netherlands ended in defeats for the Istanbul side. In the final round of the group stage, the Turks lost to Ajax (1-2), and in the first leg of the playoffs, Okan Buruk's team was thrashed by Alkmaar (1-4). To overcome the Dutch team, Galatasaray must win at home by four or more goals. If the match ends with a three-goal win for the hosts, extra time will be played. Notably, last season, Galatasaray was stopped at this same stage by Sparta Prague in the Europa League, losing away 1-4 and winning 3-2 at home.
- The Turks have not won in their last five Europa League matches (3 draws and 2 losses).
- Both teams have scored in Galatasaray's last 12 matches in this tournament.
- At least three goals have been scored in 11 of Galatasaray's previous 12 games in this European competition.
Predicted lineup for Galatasaray (4-3-3)
Fernando Muslera – Abdülkerim Bardakcı, Carlos Cuesta, Kaan Ayhan, Gabriel Sara – Elias Jelert, Dries Mertens, Berkan Kutlu – Roland Sallai, Alvaro Morata, Barış Yılmaz.
Defender Kaan Ayhan will miss the match due to suspension. Forwards Mauro Icardi and Yunus Akgün will miss the game due to injuries.
AZ Alkmaar
Maarten Martens' team claimed a confident victory in the first game, capitalizing on Turkish mistakes and a sending-off. To advance to the Round of 16, the Dutch team only needs to avoid a heavy defeat in the return leg. It's worth noting that in their last six Europa League matches, the club has suffered only one defeat (3 wins and 2 draws).
- Both teams have scored in 5 of AZ Alkmaar's last 6 games in this tournament.
- The club has conceded at least two goals in 5 of their last 6 away matches in the Europa League.
- The Dutch have lost only once in the first half in their last 10 matches in this European competition (3 wins and 6 draws).
Forwards Ibrahim Sadiq and Ruben van Bommel are in the club's infirmary.
Predicted lineup for AZ Alkmaar (4-3-3)
Rom-Jayden Owusu-Oduro – Seiya Maikuma, Wouter Goes, Alexandre Correia, David Møller Wolfe – Peer Koopmeiners, Jordy Clasie, Sven Mijnans – Troy Parrott, Mykola Lahdo, Ernest Poku.
Referee
Anthony Taylor (England)
Matches – 6 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 31;
Average yellow cards per match – 5.2;
Red cards shown – 0;
Average fouls per match – 23;
Penalties – 33%.
Galatasaray vs. AZ Alkmaar: Match Prediction
Overcoming such a large deficit is almost impossible. Nonetheless, the Turks should try to bring intrigue back into this tie, which is possible if they manage to score an early goal or win the first half by at least one goal. Galatasaray performs well at home in this tournament, with 8 wins, 3 draws, and only one loss to Barcelona in their last 12 matches.
AZ Alkmaar, on the other hand, has been notably weak away from home in this European competition. In their last seven away matches, the team has lost six times, drawing only with a weak Ludogorets side. Moreover, the Dutch consistently concede away from home, often at least two goals. Therefore, I believe the hosts can secure a victory in the upcoming match, although it is unlikely to be a large one. My prediction: Galatasaray to win
