UEFA Cup Preview: Galatasaray - Olympiakos
A more tantalising UEFA Cup Group Stage opener will not be found outside of Istanbul on Thursday, as the champions of Turkey and Greece prepare to do battle at the Ali Sami Yen Stadium.
Both sides are the most prestigious of their respective countries, boasting unmatched histories in terms of silverware and pedigree.
However, the Aslanlar carry with them a European prestige that their Greek rivals won for, with a UEFA Cup and European Super Cup part of a trophy cabinet that includes 17 league championships and 14 Turkish Cups.
Their opponents have arguably eclipsed the domestic achievements of the Turks, with 36 league championships and 23 Greek Cups to their name.
Galatasaray were crowned champions of Turkey last season, edging out bitter rivals Fenerbahçe but have made a slow start to the season, with new manager Michael Skibbe arriving from Bayer Leverkusen during the summer.
E Enjte, 23 Tetor 2008
Both sides are the most prestigious of their respective countries, boasting unmatched histories in terms of silverware and pedigree.
However, the Aslanlar carry with them a European prestige that their Greek rivals won for, with a UEFA Cup and European Super Cup part of a trophy cabinet that includes 17 league championships and 14 Turkish Cups.
Their opponents have arguably eclipsed the domestic achievements of the Turks, with 36 league championships and 23 Greek Cups to their name.
Galatasaray were crowned champions of Turkey last season, edging out bitter rivals Fenerbahçe but have made a slow start to the season, with new manager Michael Skibbe arriving from Bayer Leverkusen during the summer.
E Enjte, 23 Tetor 2008