Galatasaray will aim to complete a flawless group stage campaign in the Ziraat Turkish Cup when they travel to face Alanyaspor on Tuesday, having already secured qualification from Group A.
The Istanbul club has dominated its Turkish Cup group, winning all three matches to date. A 1-0 victory over RAMS Başakşehir initiated their run, followed by a 2-1 triumph at Fethiyespor and a commanding 3-1 win against Istanbulspor at home. Galatasaray’s success in the cup comes as they balance a tight Süper Lig title race and a challenging UEFA Champions League schedule, having recently overcome Juventus to reach the last 16.
Despite their domestic cup form, Galatasaray have shown defensive vulnerabilities in recent weeks, conceding nine goals in their last five competitive matches. This contrasts with their earlier league solidity, where they conceded less than a goal per match on average. Injuries have contributed to the defensive issues, and the team’s high press has occasionally been exploited in transition.
Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk is expected to rotate his squad for the match against Alanyaspor, prioritizing key forwards Victor Osimhen and Mauro Icardi for their league and Champions League commitments. The Turkish Cup has provided opportunities for squad players and younger prospects, and Buruk is likely to continue this approach, seeking to maintain defensive stability despite the changes.
Alanyaspor currently sit second in Group A with seven points, having secured victories over Boluspor and Fatih Karagümrük, alongside a 2-2 draw with Trabzonspor. They will be motivated to secure a positive result, particularly after a recent 3-1 defeat to Galatasaray in the league. That league match exposed defensive weaknesses, but Alanyaspor demonstrated the ability to create scoring opportunities and pose a threat in transition.
Recent history heavily favors Galatasaray in this fixture. They have won their last eight meetings against Alanyaspor across all competitions, averaging over two goals per game. However, cup ties often present unique challenges, and Alanyaspor’s home advantage and desire for a strong finish to the group stage could create for a closely contested match.
Galatasaray lifted the Turkish Cup trophy in 2019 and will be aiming to reinforce a winning mentality across all competitions. A fourth consecutive group win would extend their unbeaten cup run and solidify their position as a dominant force in Turkish football. Alanyaspor, meanwhile, will be looking to leverage a positive result to strengthen their knockout stage prospects and restore confidence after their recent league defeat.
According to Sofascore, Galatasaray currently hold the top position in Group A, while Alanyaspor are ranked second as of March 3, 2026. The match is scheduled to begin at 17:30 UTC at Alanya Oba Stadium.
