Galatasaray vs AZ Alkmaar: betting odds February 20, 2025

The return leg of the 2024/25 Europa League playoff between Galatasaray (Turkey) and AZ Alkmaar (Netherlands) will take place on February 20 at Rams Park in Istanbul. The first match ended 4-1 in favor of AZ Alkmaar. Galatasaray vs. AZ Alkmaar: prediction and betting odds, statistics.

Galatasaray

The last two visits to the Netherlands ended in defeats for the Istanbul side. In the final round of the group stage, the Turks lost to Ajax (1-2), and in the first leg of the playoffs, Okan Buruk's team was thrashed by Alkmaar (1-4). To advance past the Dutch, they need to win at home by four or more goals. If the match ends with a three-goal victory for the hosts, extra time will be played. Notably, last season, Galatasaray was stopped at this stage by Sparta Prague in the Europa League, losing away 1-4 and winning at home 3-2.

• The Turks have not won in their last five Europa League matches (3 draws, 2 losses).
• Both teams have scored in Galatasaray's last 12 matches in this tournament.
• At least three goals have been scored in 11 of Galatasaray's last 12 games in this European competition.

Predicted lineup for Galatasaray (4-3-3)

Fernando Muslera – Abdülkerim Bardakcı, Carlos Cuesta, Kaan Ayhan, Gabriel Sara – Elias Jelert, Dries Mertens, Berkan Kutlu – Roland Sallai, Álvaro Morata, Barış Yılmaz.

Defender Kaan Ayhan will miss the match due to suspension. Forwards Mauro Icardi, Álvaro Morata, and Yunus Akgün are sidelined with injuries.

AZ Alkmaar

Maarten Martens' side secured a convincing victory in the first leg, capitalizing on Turkish errors and a sending-off. To reach the round of 16, the Dutch only need to avoid a heavy defeat in the return match. In their last six Europa League games, the club has suffered just one loss (3 wins, 2 draws).

• Both teams have scored in 5 of AZ Alkmaar's last 6 games in this tournament.
• The club has conceded at least two goals in 5 of their last 6 away Europa League matches.
• The Dutch have lost only once in the first half of their last 10 games in this European competition (3 wins, 6 draws).

Forwards Ibrahim Sadiq and Ruben van Bommel are in the club's infirmary.

Predicted lineup for AZ Alkmaar (4-3-3)

Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro – Seiya Maikuma, Wouter Goes, Alexandre Correia, David Møller Wolfe – Peer Koopmeiners, Jordy Clasie, Sven Mijnans – Troy Parrott, Mykola Kukharevych, Ernest Poku.

Referee

Anthony Taylor (England)

Matches – 6 (International matches, 2024/25);

Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 31;

Average yellow cards per match – 5.2;

Red cards shown – 0;

Average fouls per match – 23;

Penalties – 33%.

Galatasaray vs. AZ Alkmaar: Match Prediction

Overcoming such a large deficit is practically unrealistic. Nevertheless, the Turks should try to bring intrigue back to this confrontation, which is possible if they can score an early goal or win the first half by at least one goal. Galatasaray plays well at home in this tournament, winning 8 of their last 12 matches, with 3 draws, losing only to Barcelona.

AZ Alkmaar, however, has been weak on the road in this European competition. In their last seven away matches, the team has lost six times, drawing only with the weak Ludogorets. Moreover, the Dutch consistently concede away from home, often at least two goals. Therefore, I believe the hosts can secure a victory in the upcoming match, although it is unlikely to be a large one. My prediction: Galatasaray to win