Galatasaray Aim for Historic Upset Against Barcelona in Europa League Showdown
Galatasaray welcome European giants Barcelona to the Türk Telekom Arena on Thursday night, with a historic UEFA Europa League quarter-final berth within reach. Following a hard-fought 0-0 draw at Camp Nou, the Turkish side enter the second leg of the last-16 clash with confidence and belief.
Victory in Istanbul would see Galatasaray reach the quarter-finals of the Europa League for the first time since the competition was rebranded in 2009. While the odds may be against them, the Lions’ resilient display in Spain has given their supporters hope of a famous result.
Galatasaray Chasing European Glory
Despite enduring a turbulent domestic campaign, Galatasaray have impressed in Europe. After topping a difficult Group E ahead of Lazio, Marseille and Lokomotiv Moscow, the Istanbul club earned direct passage to the round of 16. Their reward: a two-legged showdown with Barcelona, one of the tournament favorites.
Thursday’s clash provides a rare opportunity for Galatasaray to revive their season. The Lions have struggled in the Süper Lig, sitting mid-table and parting ways with legendary coach Fatih Terim in January. Under new boss Domènec Torrent, the team is now eyeing continental success to salvage a disappointing year.
Galatasaray’s last major European triumph came in 2000, when they famously defeated Arsenal on penalties in the UEFA Cup final. They followed that with a UEFA Super Cup victory the same year. Now, more than two decades later, the Turkish giants have a chance to add another chapter to their European story.
Barcelona on the Rebound Under Xavi
Barcelona, meanwhile, are undergoing a revival under new manager Xavi Hernández. After a disappointing start to the season that saw them eliminated from the UEFA Champions League group stage, the Catalan club turned to their former midfield maestro to steer them back on course.
Xavi has overseen a steady resurgence. Reinforcements in the January transfer window, including Ferran Torres and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, have reinvigorated the squad. The duo has already combined for 13 goals, helping Barça climb the La Liga standings and reach this stage of the Europa League with an impressive aggregate win over Napoli.
However, Barcelona face a tough test in Istanbul. The Blaugrana are without key players for the trip—veteran defender Gerard Piqué is out with a groin injury, while fellow defenders Samuel Umtiti and Sergi Roberto are also sidelined. Ansu Fati, Alex Balde and Abde Ezzalzouli remain unavailable in attack.
Xavi is expected to field a strong lineup despite the absences. Ronald Araújo and Eric García will likely start in central defense, flanked by Sergiño Dest and Jordi Alba. In midfield, Pedri, Frenkie de Jong and Nico González will marshal the game, while Torres, Aubameyang and either Adama Traoré or Ousmane Dembélé will lead the charge up front.
Galatasaray Team News and Key Players
Galatasaray have few injury concerns heading into the clash. The only major absentee is forward Mbaye Diagne, who is sidelined with a hip injury.
Kerem Aktürkoğlu has been the standout performer for the Lions this season. The 23-year-old winger scored both goals in the weekend win over rivals Beşiktaş and will pose a serious threat from the left flank. Ryan Babel is expected to operate on the opposite wing, while Mostafa Mohamed will lead the line, supported by Sofiane Feghouli in the playmaker role.
Midfield enforcers Berkan Kutlu and Taylan Antalyalı will be tasked with disrupting Barcelona’s rhythm, while the center-back duo of Marcão and Victor Nelsson will aim to contain the Spanish side’s potent attack.
In goal, Iñaki Peña—on loan from Barcelona—was the star of the first leg. The 23-year-old produced a man-of-the-match performance at Camp Nou and will be hoping to frustrate his parent club once again.
A Night to Remember?
Thursday’s clash could mark a turning point for Galatasaray, offering the chance to rekindle European dreams amid domestic struggles. While the Lions remain underdogs, their unbeaten run in the competition (seven matches without defeat) and solid defensive record give them reason to believe.
For Barcelona, anything short of progression would be a setback in their ongoing rebuild. Despite their dominance in the head-to-head history—Galatasaray’s only win over Barça came in 1994—the Catalans must be wary of the hostile Istanbul atmosphere and a determined home side.
History beckons for Galatasaray. If they can produce another resolute performance and find the cutting edge in attack, a place in the Europa League quarter-finals—and a memorable night for their fans—could be theirs.