Istanbul is supposed to be one of the loudest, hardest places to play in Europe. Barcelona did not care. On Tuesday, October 13, Hansi Flick’s side came from behind to beat Galatasaray 4-1 at RAMS Park. Lamine Yamal provided two assists, and Anthony Gordon scored his first Champions League goal for the club. The result put Barça on top of the league-phase table.
Batrakov’s Deflected Opener
Barcelona started brightly, and Dani Olmo saw an early shot saved by Uğurcan Çakır. Then Galatasaray hit them on the break. In the 28th minute Rafael Leão led a lightning counter-attack down the left and squared the ball for Aleksey Batrakov. His shot deflected off João Cancelo and looped into the net. It was against the run of play, and the Istanbul crowd went wild.
Cancelo Levels Before the Break
Barça did not panic. Just before half-time, Olmo stole possession from Davinson Sánchez and teed up Cancelo, who curled a neat finish into the far corner in the 43rd minute.
Victor Osimhen had earlier headed on a corner that led to a Barış Alper Yılmaz goal, but VAR ruled it out for offside.
Yamal Takes Over
The second half belonged to the 19-year-old. Five minutes after the restart, Yamal delivered a cross and Fermín López nodded Barcelona ahead.
Three minutes later, Yamal danced past Eren Elmalı and set up Gordon, who thrashed a low finish past Çakır at his near post. Gordon had missed a golden chance moments earlier, but this time there was no mistake.
Adeyemi Seals It
Substitute Karim Adeyemi made it 4-1 in the 65th minute with a left-footed finish from the left side of the box after a pass from Gabriel Jesus. Barcelona’s expected goals reached about 2.8, against just 0.5 for Galatasaray. Joan García made saves to keep the scoreline from becoming even more one-sided.
Barcelona Top the Table
Two wins from two in the Champions League keep Barcelona perfect across all competitions, with 10 wins from 10 this season. They lead the league-phase table on goal difference, with nine goals scored and two conceded, ahead of Sporting and Arsenal, who also have six points. Galatasaray, coached by Okan Buruk, are pointless after two games.
What Next for Barcelona?
Barcelona now travel to Real Betis in La Liga, then face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League. The first Clásico of the season on October 25 looms large. Flick will be hoping that Raphinha and De Jong, both missing in Istanbul, are back soon.
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