Legendary manager Fabio Capello believes Juventus’ hopes of neutralizing Victor Osimhen in Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League playoff return leg hinge entirely on the availability of Gleison Bremer. The “Bianconeri” host the Turkish champions at the Allianz Stadium facing a daunting three-goal deficit following a chaotic 5-2 collapse in Istanbul last week. While Osimhen spearheaded that victory with two vital assists, Capello argues that Bremer’s physical presence and recovery speed provide the only viable solution to contain the high-flying Nigerian and his strike partner, Barış Alper Yılmaz.
The Brazilian center-back started the first leg but left the pitch after just 34 minutes due to a thigh injury, leaving the Juventus defense exposed for the remainder of the contest. Following his departure, Galatasaray’s attack—featuring scorers Noa Lang, Davinson Sánchez, and Sacha Boey—exploited a fragmented backline to overturn a halftime deficit. Reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport suggest Bremer has avoided a serious tear, though he remains a major fitness doubt for the Turin showdown after missing the weekend’s Serie A action against Como.
“Bremer’s return is crucial. He is a vital factor against Osimhen and Barış Alper Yılmaz’s speed in open spaces,” Capello said as quoted by La Gazzetta. “What happened after Bremer came off in the first match is clear; Barış Alper forced many yellow cards, and the defense struggled.”
Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti faces a tactical dilemma as he also navigates the suspension of Juan Cabal, who received a red card during the first-leg meltdown. Capello suggests that without Bremer’s leadership, the Italian side will struggle to maintain the high defensive line required to chase the four goals needed for an outright win. In contrast, Galatasaray arrives in Italy with a nearly full-strength squad, looking to protect their lead and secure a spot in the Champions League Round of 16 for the first time in over a decade.
As the Allianz Stadium prepares for a night of high-stakes European football, all eyes remain on the Juventus medical wing. The potential duel between Bremer and Osimhen serves as the central narrative of a match that determines the European trajectory for both clubs. For Juventus, an early exit would mark a significant setback in Spalletti’s debut season, making the Brazilian’s recovery the ultimate priority for the technical staff.
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