Galatasaray have made a mediocre start to
the season but striker Didier Drogba
believes they can repeat April's victory
over Real Madrid in Tuesday's Champions
League Group B opener.
.
Although his team have begun the Turkish
championship with three draws and one win from
four games, the former Chelsea player is convinced
Galatasaray can upset Gareth Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo
and company.
.
"It's a new season and we know we can beat them
again," Drogba told a news conference on Monday.
.
"The best thing to do is play good football and give
100 percent to win. Once again we are going to face
the top clubs of Europe this season and I think we
have a good chance to qualify (for the knockout
stages)."
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Galatasaray went out 5-3 on aggregate despite
beating Real 3-2 in their quarterfinal second leg in
Istanbul five months ago.
.
"No team comes to Istanbul comfortably. We believe
we can challenge any team," said coach Fatih Terim.
.
Real, seeking their 10th European crown, signed Bale
for a world record fee earlier this month and it will be
tough for Galatasaray to keep the Wales winger and
dynamic Portugal forward Ronaldo quiet.
.
"The Real Madrid team consist of stars of incredible
quality in every position. They have made important
transfers but they had one of the best teams in the
world anyway," Terim said.
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Terim, now in his third spell at the club, was behind
Galatasaray's 2000 Uefa Cup title triumph and led
Turkey to the semifinals of Euro 2008.
.
He has taken on an extra burden this season,
assuming a temporary role as coach of the national
team in their uphill battle to qualify for next year's World Cup.
Gareth Bale and company must do well to win this games especailly in UCL cos the competition is what fans love.