Barcelona on Brink of Elimination
After losing 3-0 in the last fixture of the UEFA Champions League Group Stage, Barcelona scored in 16 consecutive games. That streak ended in the first leg of the Round of 16 of the UEFA Europa League. The game at Camp Nou finished 0-0.
That’s why Los Azulgranas, who are offering a -280 price on the sportsbook, are up against the wall. There’s also the fact that Galatasaray hasn’t lost in its last six home games when it comes to the UEL.
Let’s check the latest news, stats, injury reports, and Europa League odds for Galatasaray vs Barcelona. We’ve plenty of predictions for you to consider.
Galatasaray Turning Things Around
In Turkey, no other team has won more titles than Galatasaray. However, this season, the Conqueror of Europe isn’t going to win the Super Lig. Domenec Torrent’s team is sitting in 11th place, 32 points behind first. Winning the UEL is all they’ve left.
Based on recent results, they’ve every right to believe it’s possible. In addition to surviving at Camp Nou despite being the underdog at +1800, Galatasaray defeated Besiktas 2-1 on Monday. Besiktas is also considered a powerhouse in Turkey.
Kerem Akturkoglu scored both goals to increase his personal account to eight. He’s the team’s top scorer, followed by Mostafa Mohamed with six. The home side roster also includes veteran Ryan Babel, who previously played for Ajax and Liverpool. Watch out for the three of them.
Once again, despite playing at home, Galatasaray comes in as the bet online underdog at +785. Not having scored in its last two UEL games has a lot to do with that. Nevertheless, they’ve never gone three games in a row without scoring in this competition.
Barcelona Has New Dynamic Duo
Head coach Xavi Hernandez is keeping his word. Barcelona isn’t only winning, but also playing very well. Los Azulgranas scored four goals in four of their last six games in all competitions. That includes a road game against Napoli, the best defensive team in the Italian Serie A.
Ferran Torres and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have a lot to do with that. During that span, Torres scored three goals while Aubameyang scored six. Both are proving they deserved a second chance, especially Aubameyang.
As if that wasn’t enough for Barca to deserve control of the soccer odds, Memphis Depay is back. Barcelona’s roster is so talented, that last weekend he had to come off the bench. Riqui Puig, Adama Traore, Martin Braithwaite, Luuk de Jong and Frenkie de Jong didn’t start either.
Barcelona advanced in seven of its last eight UEL/UEFA Cup Round of 16 appearances. You can’t put a price on experience.
Galatasaray vs Barcelona Head-to-Head
- Previous Matches: 9
- Galatasaray Victories: 1 (6 goals)
- Barcelona Victories: 5 (14 goals)
- Draws: 3
Barcelona dominated the first leg, finishing with 16 shots, four on goal, and winning possession with 69 percent. Galatasaray only made three shots.
Galatasaray’s only victory over Barcelona was at home, 2-1 in 1994. Barcelona won their next two meetings in Istanbul with a 3-0 aggregate.
Galatasaray vs Barcelona Game Information
- Date: Thursday
- Time: 1:45 p.m. ET
- Location: Nef Stadium, Istanbul
- Galatasaray vs Barcelona Live Stream: fuboTV
Galatasaray vs Barcelona Betting Lines
| Team | Handicap | Moneyline | Total | Team Total |
| Galatasaray | +1½ -125 | +785 | 3-105o | ½-130o
½Evu |
| Barcelona FC | -1½ -105 | -280 | 3-125u | 2½+140o
2½-170u |
| Draw | +425 |
Galatasaray vs Barcelona Prediction
A draw with goals would no longer be enough for Barcelona to advance. That’s why I expect Galatasaray to remain playing on the counter-attack and aiming for a 1-0 victory. On the other hand, Barca will aim for a comfortable advantage to avoid overtime and a penalty shootout.
I have no doubt that the visitors are going to suffer. Istanbul is one of the most hostile environments in the soccersphere. Nevertheless, with no major injuries to report, Barcelona should be able to get the job done. They won 4-0 last weekend despite resting several players. I know, Osasuna can’t compare to Galatasaray, but still.
It’s going to be another close match, but unlike the first leg, there’ll be goals. My football prediction is to take Galatasaray with 1½ goals.
Score Prediction: Barcelona 2, Galatasaray 1
