FC Barcelona Travels to Istanbul to Face Galatasaray in Champions League League Phase
FC Barcelona visits Istanbul on Tuesday night to face Galatasaray in their second UEFA Champions League League Phase fixture, holding a 5-1 victory from their opening match against Feyenoord at Spotify Camp Nou over a month ago. Hansi Flick’s squad arrives aiming to extend a winning run that spans every competitive game this season. According to fcbarcelona.com, a victory in Turkey would set a club record of ten straight wins in all competitions at the start of a campaign.
Galatasaray enters the fixture having won the Turkish Super Lig for the fourth season last term and currently sits atop the table after nine games. Okan Buruk’s side suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat to Trabzonspor prior to the international break and struggled against Kasimpasa before securing a 3-1 win with two late goals. The Turkish champions opened their European campaign with a 3-1 defeat at Sporting Lisbon despite scoring first.
Squad Rotations and Fitness Updates for Both Clubs
Hansi Flick brings the same squad that defeated Getafe 3-0 over the weekend. Raphinha remains out as a cautionary measure, Frenkie de Jong is nearing a return but remains unavailable, and both Andreas Christensen and Roony miss out. Pau Cubarsí and Joao Cancelo were rested at the weekend and are fresh for the fixture, while Pedri, Fermín, Rodri, Olmo, and Gordon did not play the full match on Saturday.
Galatasaray features several high-profile additions in its squad, including Colombian defender Davinson Sánchez, Uruguayan midfielder Lucas Torreira, and former Barcelona player Ilkay Gündogan. Germany internationals Leroy Sané and Portugal’s Rafael Leao also feature alongside striker Victor Osimhen. Osimhen recently returned from an adductor injury, while Wilfried Singo represents the only other fitness concern for the Turkish side.
Watch Galatasaray vs FC Barcelona Today | UEFA Champions League Football Match pic.twitter.com/bO3Tq5idmm
Historical Records at the Ali Sami Yen Stadium
The 53,387-capacity Ali Sami Yen Stadium is known for its intense atmosphere, which Flick acknowledged in his pre-match press conference. This fixture marks the eleventh competitive meeting between the clubs. Barcelona has won eight and lost only once against Galatasaray, with that single defeat occurring in 1994, according to fcbarcelona.com. Turkish clubs have won just one of their last 22 meetings against La Liga opposition. Barcelona has won its last three visits to Turkey, all against Galatasaray, concluding with a 2-1 victory in the Europa League in 2022.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Match
What time does the Galatasaray versus Barcelona match start?
The match kicks off at 9:00 PM CEST on Tuesday night at the Ali Sami Yen Stadium in Istanbul.
How did Galatasaray perform in European competition last season?
Galatasaray advanced from the League Phase, eliminated Juventus in the first knockout round, and was eliminated by Liverpool in the round of 16.
Who are Galatasaray’s most notable former Barcelona players and star signings?
The squad features former Barcelona midfielder Ilkay Gündogan, alongside established names such as Victor Osimhen, Leroy Sané, and Rafael Leao.
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