Galatasaray vs Barcelona Preview:
Possible starting lineups:
Galatasaray:
Pena; Boey, Marcao, Nelsson, Van Aanholt; Antalyali, Kutlu; Kilinc, Feghouli, Akturkoglu; Mohamed
Barcelona:
Ter Stegen; Dest, Araujo, Garcia, Alba; Pedri, Busquets, De Jong; Adama Traore, Aubameyang, Torres
Galatasaray welcome Barcelona to Turkey for the second leg of their last-16 tie. The first match played seven days ago at Camp Nou ended goalless. The Catalans had almost 70% possession and 16 attempts, but failed to score. Frenkie de Jong had the biggest chance when he struck the post in the second half from Aubameyang's overhead kick. On the other side Gomis thought he had earned the Turkish side an unlikely late win, but his sublime finish was ruled out for offside. Memphis Depay twice went close to giving Barca a first-half lead. The Dutchman's curling free-kick was saved by Galatasaray goalkeeper Inaki Pena, before Depay was denied again by young keeper. Just to mention, Inaki Pena, who made several smart saves at Camp Nou, is loaned exactly from Barcelona.
This is a contrasting season for the most famous Turkish club. Galatasaray are out of the title fight in domestic SuperLig, however, the European campaign is very good. They are unbeaten in the 2021-22 Europa League season. Galata managed to register a home win and away draw against each of the three teams in the group - Marseille, Lazio and Lokomotiv Moscow. And they continued that way against Barcelona a week ago, playing 0:0 in Spain. In the warm up for this match they beat Besiktas 2:1 on Monday. The victory are surely positive for the atmosphere in the squad. Coach Domenec Torrent has some injury worries ahead of this match. The former Blaugrana striker Arda Turan will miss the game due to a groin injury, while striker Ryan Babel is rated as doubtful after picking up a knock in the first leg. Kaan Arslan, Halil Dervisoglu, Ismail Cipe, Baris Yilmaz and Alpaslan Ozturk were not involved at the weekend.
Barcelona are the biggest favorites in the competition. The Catalans have eliminated Napoli in the previous stage and they are strong favorites in this clash. However, it won't be easy for them, particularly after the goalless draw at Camp Nou. Still, they are better side here. Xavi is doing an excellent job and Barcelona are in solid form in domestic La Liga. On Sunday they won 4:0 against Osasuna. The winners were decided in the first half when Ferran Torres scored a brace and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang also put his name on the scoring list. Substitute Riqui Puig scored the fourth goal 15 minutes from time. The atmosphere in the squad is positive, while the players confidence is high. But Xavi has some injury worries ahead of the match. Ansu Fati, Sergi Roberto, Alejandro Balde and Samuel Umtiti remain sidelined. Gerard Pique, who was taken off against Osasuna before being pictured with an ice pack on his groin, is rated as doubtful. Most probably he will be spared for the derby meeting with Real Madrid next weekend.
Galatasaray vs Barcelona Prediction:
Galatasaray took a positive result from Camp Nou, however I think they will be eliminated. Barcelona were in the similar position in the previous round when they played only a draw at home against Napoli, but won 4:2 in Italy. I expect to win in Istanbul too. Galatasaray can not play "catenaccio" in front of his own fans. They have to try something, but that will open space for Barcelona fast counter-attacks. Barcelona should win this match with at least two goals.
Galatasaray vs Barcelona Pick: Barcelona -1.5 AH @ 2.05 with Bet365