Galatasaray's squad choices for the Barcelona match and notes from the fixture
The Galatasaray coaching staff made three changes to the squad for the Champions League match against Barcelona, while injured players and tribune details drew attention.
Galatasaray Head Coach Okan Buruk took to the field against Barcelona in the Champions League by making three changes to the squad compared to the last league match. In the match where two injured players could not feature, Victor Osimhen returned to the starting 11 after four matches.
Squad Choices and Three Changes
Galatasaray Head Coach Okan Buruk made three changes in the starting 11 against Barcelona compared to the Kasımpaşa match in the 7th week of the Süper Lig.
While Abdülkerim Bardakcı, Gabriel Sara, and Deniz Gül, who played in the Kasımpaşa match, did not feature this time, Eren Elmalı, Mario Lemina, and Victor Osimhen were put on the field in their places.
The Starting 11 Against Barcelona
The yellow-red team took the field against Barcelona with a defensive line of Uğurcan Çakır, Barış Alper Yılmaz, Davinson Sanchez, Ismail Jakobs, and Eren Elmalı.
In the midfield, Lucas Torreira and Mario Lemina served, while Yunus Akgün and Rafael Leao took positions on the wings; Aleksey Batrakov played behind the striker, and Victor Osimhen played at the very front.
Absentees and Injury Status in the Team
Before the critical Barcelona fixture, Galatasaray was missing goalkeeper Günay Güvenç and Wilfried Singo, who were unable to be in the squad due to injuries.
Meanwhile, Victor Osimhen, one of the team's important goalscorers, returned to his spot in the starting 11 after missing three matches due to a muscle injury.
Barış Alper Yılmaz at Right-Back Position
Due to Roland Sallai not yet being fully ready, the coaching staff assigned Barış Alper Yılmaz to the right side of the defense.
Protocol and High Interest from Fans
Galatasaray fans showed great interest from the stands in this important fixture within the scope of the UEFA Champions League.
Minister of Youth and Sports Osman Aşkın Bak and the club's legendary head coach Fatih Terim also followed the match from the stands at RAMS Park.
Traditional Friendship Dinner
Before the match, executives from the Galatasaray and Barcelona clubs came together at the traditional friendship dinner organized at Galatasaray Island.