Sparta Prague vs Galatasaray
UEFA Europa League
Round of 32
Thursday
22nd February 2024
epet ARENA
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the UEFA Europa League fixture between Sparta Prague and Galatasaray.
Sparta Prague vs Galatasaray: Preview
Sparta Prague form analysis
Železná Sparta’s Europa League campaign showed the likes of an organised, compact team capable of upsetting superior opponents but prone to defensive lapses against sophisticated attacks. After grinding out creditable draws with Rangers home and away, Sparta showed their giantkilling credentials by beating Real Betis 1-0 through Haraslin’s goal. They impressed again in a 3-1 win away at Aris Limassol built on Birmančević’s double. However, defensive issues surfaced in a 3-2 knockout loss away at Galatasaray, unable to protect leads on two occasions despite Preciado and Kuchta scoring.
In general, while Sparta are tough to beat on their day, manager Brian Priske will know instilling greater defensive focus is vital for them to pull off further European upsets. Blending organisation with occasional counter-attacking threat served them well earlier in the campaign. But concentration lapses have proven costly against wily European opposition. Cutting out individual errors can make Sparta dangerous knockout outsiders if they find the right balance between pragmatism and moments of risk.
Galatasaray form analysis
Galatasaray have struggled for consistency in Europe this season. In their Champions League group, they lost 3-1 away to Bayern Munich despite taking an early lead through a Mauro Icardi penalty. Kingsley Coman, Harry Kane and Jamal Musiala scored for Bayern as Galatasaray fell away in the second half. At home, Galatasaray could only draw 2-2 with Bayern despite a late goal from Cyle Larin. In their match against Manchester United, Galatasaray had a thrilling 3-3 draw at home where Hakim Ziyech scored twice along with a late equalizer from Kerem Aktürkoğlu.
However, a 1-0 away loss to FC Copenhagen saw Galatasaray finish bottom of their group. In the Europa League, Galatasaray beat Sparta Prague 3-2 at home in the playoff round. Kenan Karaman, Dries Mertens and Mauro Icardi scored for the Turkish side, but they had to come from behind twice against the Czech team. Defensively, Galatasaray have looked vulnerable, conceding 8 goals in 5 games. Going forward they have shown they can score against top teams, but they will need to tighten up at the back if they are to progress further in Europe.
