Istanbul atmosphere versus Barcelona's perfect start: Galatasaray vs Barcelona prediction
The second-round clash of the Champions League league phase between Galatasaray and Barcelona will take place in Istanbul on Tuesday. The hosts began the competition with a 1-3 defeat to Sporting, while the Catalans comfortably dismantled Feyenoord 5-1.
Galatasaray: a far more dangerous side at home
The Turkish club is going through an inconsistent spell. Before the international break, Galatasaray lost two of their three matches, including a heavy 0-4 defeat to Trabzonspor, while after the season resumed they only managed to edge past Kasimpasa late on.
At the same time, their home record remains extremely strong. Across their last 20 matches in all competitions, the team has suffered just one defeat, while last season they won four of their six home games in the Champions League. Victor Osimhen's return will provide another boost: he has recovered from injury and is expected to start.
Barcelona: nine straight wins and record-breaking scoring form
Hansi Flick's side have won all nine of their competitive matches this season and have not recorded a single victory by fewer than two goals. In their latest outing, the Catalans comfortably dispatched Getafe 3-0, taking their overall tally to 39 goals.
Their Champions League campaign also began in convincing fashion with a 5-1 win over Feyenoord. Raphinha remains injured and will miss the trip to Istanbul, but the rest of the key players are available, while Pau Cubarsi, Joao Cancelo, Pedri and Fermin Lopez are expected to return to the starting lineup.
Match facts and head-to-head record
- Galatasaray have lost just one of their last 20 home matches in all competitions.
- Barcelona have won all nine competitive matches this season.
- The Catalans have scored 39 goals in their first nine matches of the season.
Even Istanbul may not stop the favorites: Galatasaray vs Barcelona prediction
The home atmosphere and Osimhen's return make Galatasaray considerably more dangerous than they were in their recent away matches. The Turkish side are capable of creating chances and will likely score, especially given the Catalans' occasional lapses in defensive concentration.
However, Barcelona's current form looks simply too formidable. Flick's team consistently creates a high volume of chances, regularly wins by comfortable margins and, even without Raphinha, possesses enough attacking depth.
