Galatasaray open their UEFA Champions League campaign at home to Bordeaux on Tuesday in Istanbul, carrying the weight of a troubled domestic season and a depleted squad. The Turkish champions have managed just one win in five league outings, most recently drawing 1-1 with Denizlispor to leave them five points behind leader Fenerbahçe.
Belgian head coach Eric Gerets has faced criticism for inconsistent tactics and a misfiring attack. He acknowledged the team's offensive struggles but urged calm: "We will boost our players' spirits" ahead of the match.
Defensive injuries compound the pressure. Experienced back Ergun Penbe was hurt in the Denizlispor game, while Tolga Seyhan and Orhan Ak are sidelined following Türkiye's Euro 2008 qualifier against Malta. Veteran striker Hakan Sukur and playmaker Hasan Sas remain the focal points, with newer signings Junichi Inamoto (Japan) and Argentine Marcelo Carrusca still to establish themselves.
Galatasaray can at least rely on home support: roughly 70,000 tickets have been sold for the fixture at Ataturk Olympic Stadium, a venue long intimidating to visiting sides.
Bordeaux also arrive short-handed. Brazilian midfielder Fernando (dislocated shoulder), Czech midfielder Vladimir Smicer (thigh), and Rio Mavuba (suspension carried over from a prior European campaign) are all unavailable.
Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in September 2006, in its own words.