For the first time in 17 games, Barcelona have failed to score
Barcelona failed to score for the first time in 17 matches and had to be content with a massive 0-0 draw at home against Galatasaray on Thursday in the 16th leg of the Europa League. Barca beat the Turkish visitors 15-3 and beat them xG 1.6-0.2, but they had nothing to show. Xavi's men came close several times, including an attempt late in the game by Frankie de Jong who kissed the left post.
The Spanish side dominated the ball with 68.3% possession, but had problems breaking through a stubborn and organized Galatasaray defence. They closed well, maintained shape and restricted Barca to just four shots on goal. Barca entered the game under Xavi in best form, winning four in a row and scoring 14 goals in the process.
With this result, Barca would have to win Galatasaray in a week's time to reach the last eight (Thursday, 1:45 p.m. ET | Paramount+). Any draw will result in the game going into extra time, and if things remain the same there will be a penalty.
Here are three takeaways from the match.
1. This is a (lol) result Galatasaray will love
The Domenec torrent side will take it every single day. A 0-0 draw at Camp Nou against a red-hot Barcelona side coached by former Torrent player Xavi gives Galatasaray a ton of confidence ahead of the second leg, where a crazy atmosphere awaits in Istanbul. Torrent has his team back seated and defended - they did it well by being organized and organized - and they can now return home feeling like it's time to take the tie.
He may have only had three shots on target and a 0.2 xG, but that's exactly how he had to approach the game. Anything can happen in the second leg, but I suspect we'll see a similar approach from the Turkish giants with the hopes of making an ugly match that they can grind to a halt.
2. Barca know the adjustments that are needed
It wasn't all that worried for Barca in the second leg as the two key players didn't start the match, but certainly will in the second leg. First, there is Sergio Busquets who has played in the second half and is likely to move into the defensive midfield, but the big change will be Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the XI. He has been the team's best attacker since joining a free transfer from Arsenal, with five goals in his last four matches entering Thursday. It felt like Xavi thought he could get by without playing some key players, but it didn't work out and leaves things in limbo. Aubameyang should be able to produce with 90 minutes into the second leg, and that should make him and Busquets a noticeable different from the start. Make no mistake - Barcelona are still quite the favorite to reach the last eight.
3. We may see a similar performance to Napoli
Galatasaray is not expected to keep the four Galatasaray made against Napoli, and is credited with the Turkish side's excellent defensive record in the knockout stages, but they have won their last six home games, beating Kasimpsa 3–1. Including defeat. and 2-1 to league leaders Trabzonspor. This draw for them is quite surprising when you consider that they are 12th in the Turkish league and struggle regularly. If they somehow meet, it will be quite a nuisance despite being a well-known name. Barca should be able to see enough on film - knowing they must watch to take advantage of the wings and the end line - to get through. Otherwise, the progress made under Xavi would be questioned.