Barcelona overcome Galatasaray to reach quarter-finals

Last 16 2nd Leg

Galatasaray SK 1-2 FC Barcelona (Agg. 1-2)

Barcelona advanced to the Europa League quarter-finals as they came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory over Galatasaray in Istanbul.

The hosts took an early lead through a Marcao header, but the Blaugrana staged a fine comeback with goals coming from Pedri and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The first major chance of the game fell Barcelona’s way after 10 minutes, as Frenkie De Jong found himself one-on-one with Inaki Pena, but he dragged his shot just wide of the far post.

Galatasaray took the lead after 28 minutes, as an out swinging corner was met by Marcao, who powered his header home. Ferran Torres perhaps could have done better with his marking of the Brazilian.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang celebrates the winner with Frenkie De Jong.

Barcelona didn’t panic and were level nine minutes later courtesy of a stunning Pedri strike. Torres found the 19-year-old with a delightful reverse pass, and the youngster sidestepped two slide tackles before coolly slotting home.

The Blaugrana took the lead four minutes after the restart, a Sergio Busquets strike from the edge of the area was blocked by Pena’s foot falling to Pedri who forced a fine save from the keeper but as the ball looped to De Jong at the back post the Dutchman nodded it back to Aubameyang to tap home from close range.

The game then descended into a bitty affair, with Barcelona dominating possession and pinning Galatasaray back, but were unable to increase their lead. Six minutes of added time were required after play was halted by the referee after objects were thrown at Jordi Alba as he attempted to take a throw in.

Barcelona will be pleased with the character shown in this victory and look forward to finding out the quarter-final opponents when the draw takes place in Nyon tomorrow. They will however be eagerly awaiting the outcome of medical tests on Gerard Pique after the centre back was taken off with a knock ahead of El Clasico on Sunday night.

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