Five talking points from Galatasaray 1-2 Barcelona

The true test of a team’s belief is not in its ability to win but its ability to turn around lost situations. On Thursday, Xavi’s team showed the world that their dream run of form was not an accident. Not only did Barcelona demonstrate immense perseverance but also a complete understanding of the game’s tempo across phases.

After the goalless draw in the first leg, the Catalans required a win on Thursday to qualify. Despite the pressure of the favourites tag, they pulled it off in dominating fashion.

The 2-1 win over Galatasaray puts them through to the quarter-finals of the Europa League and within touching distance of silverware this season.

1. The Eric Garcia-Ronald Araujo conundrum

Xavi left the world shocked with his choice of centre-backs for the game against Galatasaray. With Ronald Araujo rested against Osasuna, one expected the Uruguayan to be a part of the starting lineup on Thursday. Yet, Xavi opted to deploy the combination of Gerard Pique and Eric Garcia with Araujo on the bench.

Every decision has its pros and cons, and the same rule applied yesternight.

In Garcia, the team got a player who could contribute more to the buildup. The Spaniard’s incisive passes gave Barcelona an edge in maintaining the possession. However, the flip side was that the team missed out on Araujo’s defensive presence.

Every now and then, Garcia made defensive lapses which gave Galatasaray chances in the first half. Heading into the Clasico, it remains to be seen as to which combination appeals more to the manager.

2. A forgettable first half

For most of the opening period, Barcelona looked rattled. Galatasaray pressed relentlessly and regularly found routes past the Catalan defence. In response, Xavi’s men struggled to even win the ball back.

The opening 20 minutes followed the same trend. The Turkish side were on the persistent attack, and Barcelona were pushed into an endless defence. However, that changed after the opening goal.

Once Domenec’s side got their lead, the steam cooled. The Blaugranes were offered routes back into the game began a spell of possession. It was a result of that very period that Barcelona got their equaliser through Pedri.

3. A no-competition in the second half

Once the team gained control of the game, they held it by the scruff of its neck. The hosts were offered no room back as they began endlessly chasing the ball.

What was astounding was the comfort that Barcelona displayed on the ball. However tight the space, the players found the right progressive passes.

Sergio Busquets, Frenkie de Jong, and Pedri combined beautifully in midfield. The trio ensured a constant circulation of the ball without breaking a sweat. Ferran Torres and Jordi Alba added a new dimension on the left-wing while Dest opened up spaces on the right.

Statistically, the Spanish side completed the game with close to 70% possession. They strung together around 700 passes as opposed to Galatasaray’s 320. In the second half alone, Barcelona took 12 shots, had three big chances and five blocked shots.

4. Pedri: A bonafide star

It’s unbelievable how maturely Pedri plays for his age. Though the fact has been stated numerous times before, it’s still a difficult pill to swallow. The teenager is head and shoulders above his peers and once again delivered a magical performance against Galatasaray.

Every time Pedri gets the ball, there is a sense of security that it will stay glued to his feet. His composure, confidence and elegance when in possession make him special. This season, his willingness to go for the goal has taken his stocks even higher.

Pedri had 102 touches at Nef Stadyumu, taking five shots and completing three dribbles. Barcelona’s equaliser was possible only because of the Golden Boy’s incredible quality as he hopped and skipped past two diving defenders before effortlessly passing it into the goal.

The second goal too seemed set to be Pedri’s as he got onto the end of the rebound. It was only Inaki Pena’s unreal save that denied the teenager and eventually gave the goal to Aubameyang.

At this point, Pedri is not one of the best young midfielders in the world. He deserves to be placed directly into the debate of the best active midfielders on the planet. All of that at 19 years of age is simply unbelievable.

5. Aubameyang: A gift that keeps giving

The so-called ‘Arsenal reject’ has proven to be one of Barcelona’s best procurements in recent years. Since his move to Catalonia, the striker has been in incredible form. Right now, he has scored seven goals in his last seven games with the club.

What sets him apart from other players tried out in his position is his ability to adapt. While undoubtedly lethal in front of goal, Aubameyang has started to drop deep and get involved during the build-up. The positional awareness and tactical understanding help him get into the correct positions repeatedly.

Heading into El Clasico, the Gabonese striker will be at the centre of Xavi’s plans. Moreover, he will continue to be the fulcrum of Barcelona’s attack for the remainder of the season and possibly a few years to come too.