Schalke 04 vs. Galatasaray

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 Schalke 04 (AET)

Even with Didier Drogba amongst their ranks, Galatasaray were unable to score more than just the one goal when they played hosts to Schalke back in February, relying on the mercurial Burak Yilmaz to put them ahead.

However, Jermaine Jones, who will once again play a crucial part in overcoming their Turkish opponents in March, cancelled out the ex-Trabzonspor forward’s finish.

Die Knappen have lacked the defensive discipline of previous seasons so far this campaign, but are going through a short run of improved form, giving Jens Keller a slight morale boost prior to this encounter.

Although Gala remain top of the Turkish Super Lig, they too are going through a string of form slightly below their standards, something that isn’t likely to be improved by a trip to North Rhine-Westphalia.

With neither club at their best, a similar script is likely to be told in the second leg as was in the first, either resulting in a 0-0 or 1-1 draw.

Not to detract from the entertainment value of the match, but the meeting of these two sides will probably prove to be one of the less-glamorous events of this season’s Round of 16 and will only be decided after a lengthy period of added time.

While Galatasaray certainly have a certain star factor about them, it’s Schalke that possess more in terms of squad depth, which will ultimately see them through such a dragged out scrap and into their third European quarterfinal in as many years.