Ex-Real Madrid coach explains how Juventus can stop Osimhen and Galatasaray

Former Real Madrid manager Fabio Capello believes that Juventus’s chances of overturning the Champions League playoff tie against Galatasaray hang on the fitness of Brazilian centre-back Gleison Bremer.

The Old Lady have to claw back a three-goal deficit in the second leg of their clash against Juventus at the Allianz Stadium, after suffering a 5-2 defeat in the first-leg.

Victor Osimhen was an integral factor in Galatasaray’s success, bullying and haranguing Juventus’s defenders, which helped him register two assists. Capello, who coached and played for Juventus, believes the availability of Bremer would boost the Old Lady’s fortune.

 Bremer started the first-leg against Cim-Bom but was replaced in the 34th minute withJuventus 2-1 ahead, after suffering an injury. Federico Gatti took his place in the team.

The Juventus backline suffered in his absence, as the combination of Gatti and Lloyd Kelly struggled to cope with Osimhen’s physicality. Bremer’s injury is not as bad as feared, and he is in contention for the second leg. Capello expects his return to positively impact Juventus’ chances. 

​”Bremer's return is crucial. He is a vital factor against Osimhen and Barış Alper Yılmaz's speed in open spaces,” Capello said, per Gazetta. “What happened after Bremer came off in the first match is clear; Barış Alper forced many yellow cards, and the defence struggled.”

The second leg will be played on Wednesday, February 25th, and Galatasaray have fitness concerns of their own, as Osimhen missed the last league games against Konyaspor due to injury.