Mansion Sports – The 2025/2026 UEFA Champions League continues with a highly anticipated clash as Eintracht Frankfurt face Galatasaray. The match will take place at Deutsche Bank Park on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 21:00 local time.

A charged atmosphere is expected as Frankfurt host the reigning Turkish Super Lig champions. For Die Adler, this marks only their second appearance in the modern Champions League era, while Galatasaray arrive determined to prove their quality on the European stage.

Eintracht Frankfurt: A Young Squad Hungry for Success

Eintracht Frankfurt secured their Champions League ticket after finishing third in the Bundesliga last season—a remarkable feat for Dino Toppmoller’s youthful side. 

Their European pedigree was also evident last term, where they produced a respectable Europa League campaign, only halted by eventual champions Tottenham Hotspur.

Despite limited recent experience compared to Europe’s elite, Frankfurt are no strangers to the big stage. 

They reached the Round of 16 on their modern debut in 2021/22 and still cherish the memory of the iconic 1960 final against Real Madrid, despite the 3-7 defeat. Now, with a more seasoned squad, they aim to go further.

Their 2025/26 campaign began on a strong note with a 5-0 DFB-Pokal victory and two consecutive Bundesliga wins. 

However, a 1-3 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen last week—despite holding a numerical advantage for the final half-hour—was a sobering reminder of the consistency they must develop.

At home, Frankfurt have been formidable. In their last 13 European matches at Deutsche Bank Park, they have lost only twice. 

Against Turkish sides, they boast an impressive record of seven matches unbeaten in eight encounters, a statistic that further fuels their confidence.

Galatasaray: Domestic Dominance Seeking European Redemption

Galatasaray travel to Frankfurt brimming with confidence after extending their domestic dominance under Okan Buruk. 

The Istanbul giants have lifted the Super Lig title three seasons in a row, with last year’s campaign nearly flawless—just one defeat in 36 matches. 

The current season has begun in equally emphatic fashion, with five straight wins and an average of three goals per game.

Yet, their Champions League record tells a different story. Galatasaray have won only once in their last 17 group stage matches and have not advanced beyond the groups since 2014. 

Their away form in Europe is equally concerning, as they are winless in nine consecutive away fixtures. This history presents a daunting challenge as they head to Germany.

Still, Galatasaray’s squad is packed with individual brilliance. The presence of Ilkay Gundogan, Leroy Sane, and Mauro Icardi provides the firepower and experience needed to challenge Frankfurt. 

Icardi, in particular, has already found the net three times this season, underlining his importance to the team.

Predicted Lineups for Eintracht Frankfurt vs Galatasaray 2025

Both teams enter the match with notable absences, yet their lineups remain filled with talent capable of producing an enthralling encounter.

Eintracht Frankfurt (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Zetterer

Defenders: Brown, Collins, Koch, Theate

Defensive Midfielders: Hojlund, Chaibi

Attacking Midfielders: Doan, Uzun, Bahoya

Forward: Burkardt

Manager: Dino Toppmoller

Frankfurt continue to monitor the condition of Hugo Larsson after illness, while Rasmus Kristensen is sidelined with a thigh injury. 

Mario Gotze is also unlikely to feature. Jonathan Burkardt has struggled in front of goal, which could open opportunities for Michy Batshuayi or Elye Wahi to lead the attack.

Galatasaray (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Cakir

Defenders: Sallai, Sanchez, Bardakci, Elmali

Defensive Midfielders: Torreira, Sara

Attacking Midfielders: Akgun, Gundogan, Sane

Forward: Icardi

Manager: Okan Buruk

Galatasaray will be without Victor Osimhen due to an ankle injury, but Mauro Icardi remains the focal point in attack. Newly signed goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir is expected to retain his starting role after recent strong performances.

Conclusion

The battle between Eintracht Frankfurt and Galatasaray at Deutsche Bank Park is more than just an opening group stage fixture—it is a clash of ambition and pride. 

Frankfurt aim to establish themselves as genuine contenders on the European stage, while Galatasaray seek to break their long-standing Champions League curse.

With both sides boasting exciting lineups, this encounter promises tactical intrigue and dramatic moments from the first whistle. 

The question remains: will Frankfurt capitalize on home advantage to make a winning start, or can Galatasaray deliver a surprise in Germany?