Prediction: Eintracht Frankfurt vs Galatasaray

Verdict: Draw

Best odds: 29/10

Bookmaker: Luckster

Making only their second foray into Europe’s premier club competition, Eintracht Frankfurt open their Champions League campaign on Thursday, welcoming Turkish heavyweights Galatasaray to Deutsche Bank Park.

Frankfurt secured third place in last season’s Bundesliga to book their spot, while Gala stormed to the Super Lig crown, suffering just a single defeat along the way. Now the two sides collide on matchday one of the new league phase.

Eintracht Frankfurt

Eintracht return to the Champions League for just the second time in their history, their only previous appearance coming in 2022/23, when they reached the last 16 before being knocked out by Napoli. Since then, they have been regulars in continental competition, lifting the Europa League in 2022 and establishing themselves as a consistent Bundesliga force.

Last term, the Eagles produced a strong campaign under Dino Toppmoller, finishing third in the German top flight to qualify automatically for the league phase. Their form at Deutsche Bank Park was crucial, with only champions Leverkusen picking up more points on home soil. However, their European ambitions ended early with a Europa Conference League last-16 defeat to Fiorentina, highlighting their tendency to fall short against continental heavyweights.

Now led by a rejuvenated squad blending Bundesliga experience with fresh faces, Frankfurt have started the new domestic season solidly, and their fans will relish another chance to test themselves against one of Europe’s most decorated clubs.

Team News

Toppmoller has close to a full squad at his disposal. Omar Marmoush, who scored 12 Bundesliga goals last season, should spearhead the attack, supported by Mario Gotze in a creative role.

Hugo Larsson’s box-to-box dynamism will be key in midfield, while Robin Koch and Willian Pacho form a settled central defensive pairing.

The only significant absentee is goalkeeper Kevin Trapp, who has been nursing a shoulder problem; Jens Grahl is on standby should the veteran fail a late fitness test. Ansgar Knauff is also in contention to start after shaking off a minor knock.

Galatasaray

The Turkish champions return to the Champions League brimming with confidence, having dropped points just four times across a dominant Super Lig campaign in 2024/25. With one defeat all season, Okan Buruk’s men reclaimed the domestic crown and have begun the new term in similarly relentless fashion.

Their European record, however, tells a different story. Last year they were eliminated in the Europa League knockout stages, and Gala have not progressed deep into the Champions League since 2013. Still, their squad brims with attacking power and star quality, making them a dangerous proposition for any opponent.

Buruk’s men have already brushed aside domestic opposition this season, and the club hierarchy has backed him again in the transfer market, aiming to finally translate their domestic dominance into continental progress.

Team News

Galatasaray travel to Frankfurt with several big names available. Mauro Icardi remains their chief goal threat, while wingers Wilfried Zaha and Kerem Akturkoglu provide speed and width. New signing Davinson Sanchez should slot straight into central defence alongside Victor Nelsson, and Lucas Torreira anchors the midfield with his energy and tackling.

Hakim Ziyech has shaken off a minor injury concern and should feature, but Serge Aurier remains sidelined with a hamstring issue. Veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera continues to command from the back.

Conclusion

Both sides arrive with contrasting European pedigrees: Frankfurt are still relative newcomers to this stage, while Galatasaray are steeped in Champions League history. However, Gala’s poor record away from home in Europe and Frankfurt’s strong form at Deutsche Bank Park could tilt the balance.

Expect an open, competitive clash between two attack-minded teams, with a score draw perhaps the likeliest outcome to start their campaigns.

Verdict: Draw

Best odds: 29/10

Bookmaker: Luckster