Our prediction for this Europa League match:
Buoyed by a 3-1 win over Sampdoria, Lazio will look to give fans yet another reason for celebration when they take on Galatasaray at Stadio Olimpico. The Biancocelesti rolled over Lokomotiv Moscow 3-0 in their last group game, with the team booking their place in the Europa League knockout stages. Lazio, though, want to finish the process in top position, and they are likely to go all guns blazing at the Turkish outfit.
Patric is back from a domestic ban, with all Lucas Leiva, Lazzari, and Anderson pushing for a start. Galatasaray, on the other hand, did well to beat Marseille 4-2 in their last league match, with the team booking their place in the knockout stages. Anyhow, home win should be considered as Lazio have turned Stadio Olimpico into a real fortress. All Turan, Elabdellaoui, Cicaldau, and Boey misses Galatasaray’s draw with Altay with injuries.
Highlighted Player (Gonzalo Escalante):
Gonzalo Escalante is an Argentine footballer who plays for Eibar in Spanish La Liga. Escalante made his senior debut for Boca Juniors, coming as a substitute in a 6-1 loss to San Martin de San Juan. After playing 11 matches for the Argentine giants, he was sent on loan to Catania on 28 August, 2014 and he scored his first professional goal against Virtus Entella on 28 October.
On 29 January Escalante signed a permanent deal with the Sicilian outfit and he played 26 games for the club in the 2015/2016 campaign. At the end of the season he joined La Liga team Eibar on loan and he made his debut for los Armeros on 24 August against Granada. He managed to find his net on his debut and six months later he signed a permanent deal with the club.
His contract with Eibar expires on 30 June, 2020. His main position is central midfield, but he is capable of playing as a defensive midfielder as well.
Highlighted Team (Galatasaray):
Over the years Galatasaray have established themselves as one of the best teams in Turkey. The Aslanlar (the Lions) were founded back in October 1905 by Ali Sami Yen and fellow students of Galatasaray High School. Ali Sami Yen himself was the club’s first president and, as a result, he was given the club’s membership No. 1.
The Gala are one of the most successful Turkish teams and it has to be noted that they won their 21st Super Lig trophy in the 2017/2018 season. The capital club collected 75 points from possible 102, with the team finishing the season three points clear of their bitter rivals Fenerbahce. Speaking of European success, Galatasaray won UEFA Cup in the 1999/2000 season, with the team beating Arsenal on penalties in the title game.
In 2000 the Lions won UEFA Super cup as they outplayed star-studded Real Madrid 2-1 at Stade Louis II in Monaco. Galatasaray play their home games at Turk Telekom Stadi and they are well known for their yellow and red jerseys.