Image Source: FC Barcelona
Champions League football takes FC Barcelona to Istanbul on Tuesday, where Hansi Flick’s side will face Galatasaray in Match Day 2 of this season’s league phase. Kick-off is scheduled for 9pm CEST, with Barça aiming to protect a perfect start to the 2026/27 campaign.
According to FC Barcelona, Flick has selected a 22 man squad for the club’s first away trip in Europe this season. The Catalan side opened its continental campaign with a victory over Feyenoord and has also won eight successive La Liga matches.
Champions League Test Awaits in Istanbul
The trip to Turkey represents an important early challenge for Barcelona. The team has started the new season with remarkable consistency, winning every competitive match so far. A victory against Galatasaray would take the blaugranes to ten wins from ten in all competitions.
That record has created significant momentum around Flick’s squad. However, the atmosphere in Istanbul is expected to provide a demanding examination of Barcelona’s control, concentration and defensive organisation. Galatasaray will hope home advantage can disrupt the visitors’ impressive rhythm.
Barcelona’s opening European win against Feyenoord provided an encouraging platform, but the league phase requires consistent results across multiple away fixtures. Three points in Istanbul would strengthen Barça’s position and underline their status as one of the leading contenders in this year’s Champions League.
Four Important Absences Confirmed
Flick will be without four players who remain unavailable because of injury. Raphinha, Andreas Christensen, Frenkie de Jong and Roony Bardghji were not included in the travelling group.
The absences will require the coaching staff to manage the squad carefully, particularly during a demanding period of domestic and European football. De Jong’s absence affects midfield depth, while Raphinha and Bardghji are unavailable options in attack. Christensen’s omission also reduces Flick’s choices in defence.
Despite those setbacks, the squad includes a strong blend of experience, youth and attacking quality. Pedri, Gavi, Fermín López, Dani Olmo and Marc Bernal are among the midfield options. At the other end of the pitch, Lamine Yamal, Gabriel Jesus, Karim Adeyemi and Anthony Gordon give Barcelona several ways to threaten the Galatasaray defence.
Full Barcelona Squad for Galatasaray
- Goalkeepers: Joan Garcia, Wojciech Szczęsny and Dominik Livaković
- Defenders: João Cancelo, Alejandro Balde, Pau Cubarsí, Xavi Espart, Gerard Martín, Jules Kounde and Eric García
- Midfielders: Brian Fariñas, Gavi, Fermín López, Pedri, Rodrigo, Dani Olmo and Marc Bernal
- Forwards: Gabriel Jesus, Lamine Yamal, Karim Adeyemi, Anthony Gordon and Hamza Abdelkarim
The squad features several players capable of influencing the contest in different ways. Joan Garcia, Szczęsny and Livaković offer goalkeeping options, while Cancelo, Balde, Cubarsí, Kounde and Eric García provide defensive versatility.
In midfield, Barcelona will look to Pedri and Gavi for control and creativity. Fermín López and Dani Olmo can add attacking movement between the lines, while Rodrigo and Marc Bernal offer additional depth. The presence of younger players also reflects Flick’s willingness to trust the club’s developing talent on the European stage.
High Stakes for Flick’s Unbeaten Barcelona
The Galatasaray fixture arrives with Barcelona unbeaten in nine competitive matches this season. The team’s perfect record has raised expectations, but European away matches often bring different tactical and emotional demands.
Flick will want his players to maintain the intensity that has powered their domestic winning run without losing defensive discipline. Barcelona’s ability to handle Galatasaray’s pressure, control possession and make the most of key attacking moments could determine whether the unbeaten run continues.
For Lamine Yamal and the rest of the forward line, the match offers another opportunity to make an impact on a major European night. Galatasaray’s defensive approach will be tested by Barça’s movement and technical quality, while the visitors must remain alert to the threat of counterattacks.
With a perfect record on the line, the Champions League meeting promises to be one of Barcelona’s most revealing tests of the young season. Victory would provide another powerful statement, while a difficult result would offer Flick valuable lessons about his team’s depth and resilience.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Galatasaray vs Barcelona?
The Champions League match takes place on Tuesday, with kick-off scheduled for 9pm CEST in Istanbul.
How many players are in Barcelona’s squad?
Hansi Flick has named a 22 man squad for the match against Galatasaray.
Which Barcelona players are injured?
Raphinha, Andreas Christensen, Frenkie de Jong and Roony Bardghji remain unavailable because of injury.
What is Barcelona’s record this season?
Barcelona have won eight successive La Liga matches and defeated Feyenoord in their opening European fixture, giving them nine straight competitive victories.
What would a win mean for Barcelona?
A victory in Istanbul would extend Barcelona’s perfect start to ten wins from ten matches in all competitions and strengthen their Champions League momentum.
