Barcelona had to come back from behind to seal a 2-1 victory over Galatasaray and ebook their place within the Europa League quarter-finals.
Xavi’s males tried to dominate ball possession early however Galatasaray had the primary actual probability of the match. Through on aim, Bafetimbi Gomis however noticed his shot halted by a determined consequence from Jordi Alba.
Frenkie de Jong was in the same place a couple of minutes later. The Dutchman actually must have scored however dragged his effort far underneath little strain.
The opener got here simply earlier than the half-hour mark from Galatasaray’s captain Marcao, whose diving header nestled completely into Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s facet netting. The defender began the nook flag to rejoice, broke it and compelled a two minute delay whereas it was fastened.
Pedri appeared like an actual menace to Barcelona and equalized ten minutes later. The younger midfielder put two defenders down earlier than he shot dwelling from shut vary.
Barcelona virtually went on with the final kick in the primary half. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang tried to even issues up by sending a protracted ball in the direction of the centrally positioned strikers, however the guests’ protection acquired the perfect of this moderately direct type of play.
They would ultimately get that inexperienced gentle a couple of minutes after the break. Inaki Pena made two wonderful saves to disclaim Sergio Busquets and Pedri, however he couldn’t get to the closing effort from Aubameyang, who knocked dwelling to hold his outrageous type going.
That aim modified the tone all through the match. Barcelona began to dominate ball possession and management all the pieces in regards to the match, and though clear possibilities have been at the highest, Barcelona appeared snug at the highest.
Unfortunately, the recreation ended a bit bitter. Alba’s perceived waste of time angered the dwelling followers, who started firing missiles in his path. The left-back responded by splitting the ball into the group and commenced a little bit of a skirmish on the pitch.
Things calmed down quickly and Barcelona must have killed the match with a 3rd, just for Ferran Torres to hit the crossbar with an effort that VAR would in all probability have dominated out if he had scored a aim.
Alba was clever to disclaim Gomis / ANP / GettyImages
Marc-Andre ter Stegen (GK) – 5/10 – Not his finest efficiency. Do not even dive after the opening aim.
Sergino Dest (RB) – 7/10 – One of his most snug matches of the season. Had the higher of the hazard Aktürkoglu earlier than he acquired rid of a hoarding harm.
Eric Garcia (CB) – 6/10 – Plays extra like a midfielder typically. Stepped out from the again actually, very well, however was circuitously secure when it got here to precise protection.
Gerard Pique (CB) – 6/10 – Some stable protection. Had to struggle Gomis as a result of Garcia was means too weak.
Jordi Alba (LB) – 6/10 – Looked a bit shy at each ends of the pitch however didn’t do a lot unsuitable.
Pedri was an excessive amount of for Galatasaray / ANP / GettyImages
Sergio Busquets (DM) – 6/10 – Left uncovered by the remainder of the midfield however did fairly effectively.
Frenkie de Jong (CM) – 7/10 – Should have opened the scoring early however got here again on prime of the match within the second half. His excessive strain was the important thing to turning the match round.
Pedri (CM) – 8/10 – Showed an outrageous calm for his aim. Playing with such authority for somebody so younger.
Torres was not at his finest / ANP / GettyImages
Adama Traore (RW) – 5/10 – Ran into some useless ends earlier than being taken off at half time.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (ST) – 6/10 – A bit clumsy in the primary half however confirmed an actual poaching intuition to get in the appropriate place for his aim.
Ferran Torres (LW) – 4/10 – Barely concerned within the recreation in any respect. Really fought and got here within the shadow of everybody else in Barcelona’s assault.
Ousmane Dembele (RW, 46 ‘for Traore) – 6/10 – Keep issues easy and actually efficient at doing so.
Ronald Araujo (RB, 56 ‘for Dest) – 6/10 – Some spectacular work provided that he’s out of place. An wonderful block late.
Gavi (CM, 68 ‘for De Jong) – 6/10 – His power was contagious however typically he took it too far. Some nasty fouls.
Clement Lenglet (CB, 81 ‘for Pique) – N / A
Memphis Depay (ST, 81 ‘for Aubameyang) – N / A
