Barcelona arrive in Istanbul with a flawless start behind them, but Galatasaray and a European night in Turkey offer a different kind of examination. The Spanish side face the Istanbul club on Tuesday at 21:00 in the second round of Champions League fixtures, knowing that even a team in full flight can be shaken by the atmosphere and threat of the home attack.
Perfect record, but defensive questions remain
Hansi Flick’s side have won all nine of their matches so far this season, a run that has given Barcelona early momentum in every competition. Yet the figures also show a vulnerability Galatasaray will aim to expose: Barcelona have recorded only four clean sheets during that sequence.
- Barcelona have won nine matches from nine this season.
- They have kept four clean sheets across those games.
- The trip to Galatasaray is scheduled for Tuesday, with kick-off at 21:00.
- The match is Barcelona’s second Champions League game of the campaign.
Pau Cubarsí has stressed the importance of staying fully alert against Victor Osimhen, identifying Galatasaray’s Istanbul-based forward as the central danger for the visitors’ defence.
Jesus ready as Raphinha misses out
Barcelona will travel without Raphinha after the winger suffered an injury while on Brazil duty in Australia. Flick has said Gabriel Jesus is fit and available to lead the line from the start.
Jesus could have Anthony Gordon and Lamine Yamal alongside him in the attacking unit. Both returned from the international break in sharp scoring form, with Gordon netting three times and Yamal four times for their respective national teams.
Gordon brings recent league form
Gordon also made an immediate impact in Barcelona’s latest domestic outing. The English forward struck in the second minute against Getafe as Barcelona claimed a 3-0 victory.
- Gabriel Jesus is ready to start at centre-forward.
- Raphinha is unavailable following his injury with Brazil.
- Anthony Gordon scored three goals during the international break.
- Lamine Yamal scored four times over the same period.
- Gordon opened the scoring in the second minute against Getafe in a 3-0 win.
Barcelona’s winning rhythm will make them favourites on paper, but their uneven clean-sheet record and Osimhen’s presence ensure the Istanbul test carries real jeopardy.
