Steaua Bucharest vs. Galatasaray

            Steaua managed to get 2-2 draw against Galatasaray after Steaua was up 2-0 at some point in the game .Galatasaray played bad first half in that match but second half they looked very good . They played good till they equalized then something happened : they got tired and stopped running unexpectedly  .

            In this second game Steaua needs win or draw in order to qualify further . For Galatasaray only a win ( excluding 2-2 draw when overtime is expected ) could make them happy . About Galatasaray Turkish press says they will use offensive team in order to put pressure and score fast .  Galatasaray won in domestic league 4-1 against Denizlispor after Denizlispor was down one man almost whole second half .

            Steaua is good enough at home usually . You have to be good and lucky to beat Steaua on home ground . I say this , thinking that Steaua and Galatasaray have similar team value , as I think they do . Steaua didn’t received more than 2 goals at home since 17 months since 2-4 defeat against Dinamo Kyiv .  Today  , they have trouble in defense . Right defender , Golanski , is injured and Steaua is short on options . They can’t use a good player , Emeghara since he is not on UEFA list to play . It seems best option would be bringing an old but experienced player on right defensive : Petre Marin . He is 35 years old ( if I remember correctly ) and is quite slow . This should be a major problem for Steaua’s defense today and right midfielder should help defender as much as he can .

           To resume , my opinion is that Steaua won’t lose this game . Both teams have European experience and home advantage is important factor for both teams . Mistakes made by Galatasaray at home in first game can’t be corrected in this game . I expect low scoring game with Steaua defending mostly and waiting for opportunities since they are not forced to attack . Steaua will begin with 2 defensive midfielders .

Probable teams :

Steaua : Zapata - P.Marin, D.Goian, Ghionea, Nesu - M.Radoi, Ov.Petre - Nicolita, Dayro Moreno, Toja – Arthuro.

Galatasaray: Aykut Ercetin - Baris Özbek, Fernando Meira, Servet Cetin, Hakan Balta - Hasan Sas, Mehmet Topal, Lincoln, Arda Turan - Shabani Nonda, Harry Kewell;

My bet :

Steaua – Galatasaray , Steaua to qualify @1.54 10/10

Pick:Steaua to qualify
Odds: 1.54 @ Interwetten - {click here for a € 111 bonus}
Stake:10/10