Galatasaray and Braga face off in the least sexy of Tuesday’s Champions League fixtures, but it certainly doesn’t lack in importance. The two sides, along with CFR Cluj, are engaged in a free-for-all fight for a knockout stage place behind Manchester United, making every game in Group H very relevant.
Galatasaray vs. Braga 2012, UEFA Champions League: Game time and TV schedule
Is it sexy? No. Is it important? Yes. Braga and Galatasaray are fighting for a place in the knockout stages.
Michael Regan - Getty Images
Both teams lost on the first matchday, with Gala putting in the more impressive performance of the two teams. They gave Manchester United a tough game at Old Trafford, while Braga were undone by a Cluj team that included three Braga castoffs in the starting XI. While they might not have anticipated needing points in Istanbul at the start of the tournament, they’re certainly going to be fighting hard for a result on Tuesday after their loss on the first matchday.
Galatasaray injuries and suspensions
Out: Albert Riera, Thomas Ujfalusi. In doubt: Hamit Altintop, Johan Elmander
Braga injuries and suspensions
Out: Carlao, Elderson
It’s a good thing Galatasaray have depth in attack, because they’re facing some serious injury issues. Riera is a long-term absence, while Altintop is on the way back from a thigh injury. Elmander is dealing with an illness. Expect to see Burak Yilmaz and Umut Bulut up top together. Braga’s missing players are not their key contributors.
Match Date/Time: 8:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET
Venue: Türk Telekom Arena, Istanbul, Turkey
TV: DirecTV Soccer (U.S.), Sky Sports red button (U.K.), Sportsnet World Plus (Canada), Star TV (Turkey), Sport TV1 (Portugal)
Online: FOX Soccer 2 Go (U.S.)
See More:
