UEFA Champions League 2013: The 'new' League of Champions

Galatasaray

Galatasaray have added Champions League winning experience to their squad (Getty Images)

The Turkish giants from the city of Istanbul have quietly built a squad comprising of many former Champions League winners and world class players. Individuals such as Didier Drogba and Wesley Sneijder have tasted Champions League success with other clubs, and are ready to have a shot at it once again. The team proved its mettle by winning this year’s Emirates cup against world class opposition and is now prepared to fight it out in the UCL.

Galatasaray reached the quarter-finals of the last edition where they were defeated 3-5 on aggregate by Real Madrid; a second leg win for the hosts could not overturn the first leg deficit of 3 goals conceded at the Bernabeu, and they bowed out of the tournament in style.

This year, they have a fair chance to have their revenge against the Spaniards. They are placed alongside Real Madrid and Juventus in Group B and is sure to give a tough fight for knock out stage qualification. The players in the team are experienced and they possess a fan base that is spread out throughout the country. Their home stadium is rated as the worst place to visit for a European club and they have caused some major upsets in recent years at that ground.

The start of the new season in Turkey has been a tough one for the club and they have 6 points from 4 games in the league this season. The manager, Fatih Terim, must have set his sights on the first group stage game against Real Madrid to bring this season back on track.

Qualification to the knock out stage depends on how well they play away from home. The players bought in the January transfer window have gelled well and should be looking forward to a successful campaign.

Opponents: Real Madrid , Juventus, FC København

Players to watch out: Didier Drogba, Wesley Sneijder, Fernando Muslera.