Istanbul turned into a horror show for Galatasaray!
Barcelona roared back from a goal down to demolish Galatasaray 4-1 in a Champions League league phase thriller at RAMS Park, deepening Turkish giants’ miserable start to competition.
Galatasaray Strike First, Batrakov Stuns Barca
Barcelona dominated early, with Anthony Gordon, Joao Cancelo and Lamine Yamal testing goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir, while Victor Osimhen was caught offside repeatedly.
Against run of play, hosts struck. Rafael Leao set up Alexey Batrakov, who rifled right-footed shot into bottom left corner in 28th minute for 1-0. Stadium erupted!
Six minutes later, Baris Alper Yilmaz thought he doubled lead after Batrakov cross, but VAR chalked it off for offside. Yunus Akgun forced save from Joan Garcia in 37th minute.
ALSO READ: Ahead Champions League clash, Osimhen scares Barcelona coach
Barca Blitz: Four Goals In 37 Minutes
Barca hit back before break. Dani Olmo fed Cancelo, who smashed into bottom right corner in 43rd minute to make it 1-1.
Second half was total destruction.
In 50th minute, Yamal’s corner found Fermin Lopez, who headed home for 2-1. Three minutes later, Yamal turned provider again, setting up Gordon to tap in from six-yard box for 3-1.
Galatasaray coach threw four changes in 58th minute, bringing Leroy Sane, Gabriel Sara and Lesley Ugochukwu. Barca responded with Karim Adeyemi for Gordon.
Adeyemi killed contest in 65th minute, left-footed strike into centre for 4-1.
Late Drama, Cards Fly
Galatasaray’s frustration boiled over, Leao booked in 64th minute, Roland Sallai in 86th for bad fouls. Lucas Torreira went off injured in 79th minute, replaced by Renato Nhaga.
Barca kept pressing, Gabriel Jesus shot saved in 83rd, Adeyemi blocked in 85th. Ugochukwu’s long-range effort saved by Garcia.
After three minutes added time, it ended 4-1. Barca now perfect with 2 wins, 6 points, Galatasaray winless with zero points and sinking fast!
