Galatasaray begins its 2026-2027 UEFA Champions League season with an away match against Sporting CP in Lisbon on Tuesday, September 9. The match kicks off at 8 p.m. Local time.
This information was reported by Hurriyet Daily News. Head coach Okan Buruk leads the Süper Lig champions into a new adventure in Europe's premier club competition. The team aims to translate its domestic success onto the continental stage. They currently sit top of the Süper Lig with 10 points from 4 games, boasting a record of 3 wins and 1 draw. Their recent form reads WWWD, and they hold a 1-point lead over Beşiktaş. So far this season, Galatasaray has scored 12 goals and conceded 6, for a +6 goal difference.
Which players are injured?
Galatasaray will be without several key players for this important opening fixture in Lisbon. Striker Victor Osimhen and midfielder Mario Lemina both sustained right adductor strains during the team's 3-2 victory over Başakşehir on September 4. Right-back Wilfried Singo is also sidelined with a thigh muscle strain suffered in training earlier in the week. The medical staff confirmed that, alongside these three, El Chadaille Bitshiabu is also on the injury list. You can follow the latest injury updates on our injuries page.
Okan Buruk said, "The recent win over Başakşehir highlighted the team’s mental resilience." Due to these absences, Barış Alper Yılmaz is expected to lead the line as the team's forward against Sporting. Buruk confirmed this plan, stating, "Barış Alper Yılmaz as the team’s forward against Sporting." Midfielders Lucas Torreira and Gabriel Sara, along with Portuguese winger Rafael Leao (who came on as a substitute against Başakşehir), will need to take on greater responsibility.
What is the new Champions League format?
The 2026-2027 season marks the first using an expanded 36-team single-table league phase. In this new system, each team will play 8 matches in total, each against a different opponent. Points, clean sheets, and goal difference will determine qualification for the top eight, which grants direct passage to the round of 16, or for the two-legged knockout playoffs. Simply being in the league phase is worth a minimum of 20 million euros to clubs. The Champions League winner earns around 90 million euros in prize money before additional revenue. PSG earned approximately 150 million euros for each of its last two Champions League victories.
What other matches are on September 9?
Galatasaray's opener is part of a full slate of matches across Europe on the same day. Other Champions League fixtures scheduled for September 9 include Barcelona vs. Feyenoord, Stuttgart vs. Viking, Liverpool vs. Atletico Madrid, Napoli vs. Arsenal, and PSG vs. Slovan Bratislava. This packed schedule promises a thrilling first week under the new format. Galatasaray fans can check their team's full match schedule and league position on our fixtures and standings pages.
Galatasaray's next Süper Lig fixture is at home against Rizespor, who are currently 11th in the table, on December 6, 2026. Before that, their European performances and injury recovery will shape the team's agenda.
