Sporting CP vs Galatasaray prediction 09.09.2026 | Champions League

Sporting CP had a pretty good season despite finishing it trophyless. They finished 2nd in the league with 82 points, which is often enough for the title. However, FC Porto were simply amazing the Lions had to settle for 2nd place. They were also in a position to win the Taça de Portugal, but unexpectedly lost to Torrense. Over the summer, the team made some important changes to the roster, but it seems they haven't lost a step, given that they won 13 points from the first five games. 

After a 2:0 win over Nacional, coach Rui Borges spoke to the media. He said they controlled the game from start to finish and deservedly won. When asked why Ibrahima Ba did not play in the game, the coach said he suffered a knock in the previous game but hinted that he should be ready for the upcoming match against Galatasaray. 

Only Nuno Santos and Joao Simoes should miss the upcoming game due to injuries. 

Galatasaray are one of the teams that have spent heavily to add high-profile players from the world's top leagues. That paid off in the domestic competitions, as they won the last four league titles, but not so much in Europe. They will be looking to change that, and they once again assembled a really good squad. 

This year, they opened the season with a surprising 2:2 draw with Corum and then went on to win the following three matches. 

Unfortunately for Galatasaray, their key player, Victor Osimhen, suffered an injury in the previous game against Basaksehir and had to leave the field after 33 minutes. He has been simply amazing at the start of this season, scoring six goals already, but will be sidelined for at least three weeks with an injury. His absence is undoubtedly a massive problem for the Turkish champions.