Chelsea and Galatasaray will renew their rivalry on Tuesday in the decisive Champions League meeting.
The two sides enter the second leg of their round of 16 matchup tied up 1-1. The first match, which took place in Turkey was a tale of two halves. The English side dominated the opening 45 and should have built up a substantial lead; however, the team had to settle for a 1-0 lead thanks to an early goal from Fernando Torres. However, the home team took over the game in the second half and got a goal from Aurelian Chedjou.
Chelsea can afford to play for a draw in this game, but the side will need to learn from Juventus' shocking loss against this very team. The Italian giants blew a 2-1 lead at home against Galatasaray and had to settle for a 2-2 draw. In the second game against the Turkish side, the Italian contingent was defeated 1-0.
Chelsea
The English side is currently the best team in the Premier League, but is coming off a tough weekend loss against Aston Villa. The team has struggled to score due to an inefficient set of strikers. Fernando Torres scored in the last game, but has proven all year that he is far from reliable. The team's main offensive weapon is Eden Hazard, but it seems that even he cannot carry the team on his own.
Galatasaray
The Turkish side is the clear underdog, especially on the road. However, Didier Drogba will be the central figure in the match as the game will represent his return to Stamford Bridge. The former Chelsea man has proved that he can be a boon to any team he plays for and he will likely be at his best on what should be an emotional night.
The striker stated that he was ready for the emotional night, but was determined to knock out Chelsea.
'I'm really happy to come back and see familiar faces and it's good," Drogba said during a press conference on Monday, according to the Daily Mail. "It won't be difficult to play. It's a big game, a big competition and it means a lot to my team, so I will find a way to play it."
Even Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho exhibited tremendous respect for his former player during his press conference.
"Undoubtedly he is one of the most important players in the history of this club - that is not a doubt. I think all Chelsea supporters we agree with that," said Mourinho, according to Sky Sports. "We don't say the most important one because that is not fair for other people that were in the same level and in the same generation, but for sure we all agree one of the most important players in the history of our club.
"Is he the same player at 36 that he was at 26? I think nobody is, but he is one of the best strikers in the world that's for sure."
Player to Watch: That honor undoubtedly goes to Drogba. He is arguably the most dynamic and motivated player on the pitch and could ultimately shape the outcome of the match.
Prediction: An upset should be in order. Chelsea ties Galatasaray 2-2 and is eliminated on away goals.
The match kicks off at 2:45 p.m. EST and can be streamed online on Fox Soccer 2 Go. It can also be viewed on Fox Soccer Plus.
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