Galatasaray 1-2 Barcelona (1-2 agg): Pedri and Auba do the damage in 'hell'
The Turkish side created a fierce atmosphere but quality won out in the end
Barcelona were shaken in the early stages but recovered to earn an impressive win over Galatasaray and reach the Europa League quarter-finals on Thursday.
They fell behind to a Marcao header but goals from Pedri and the red-hot Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang helped them turn the game around and book passage to the next phase. It also saw them avoid extra-time, important with the Clasico coming up on Sunday at the Santiago Bernabeu.
With a raucous crowd in Istanbul cheering on the hosts, Barcelona took a while to get going. Eric Garcia struggled against Gomis, with Jordi Alba blocking well.
At the other end, Frenkie de Jong missed one on one, firing inches wide after controlling the ball well.
Marcao headed the hosts ahead when Ferran Torres did not stick with him, but Pedri levelled brilliantly. He let two defenders fly past him as they frantically tried to rob him in the box and then slid home.
Shortly after the break, Aubameyang put Barcelona ahead. Inaki Pena impressed again, making a special double save, but could not keep out the Gabon forward who has seven goals in his last seven games.
That was more or less that, as Barcelona greatly improved after the break, with Dembele coming on for Adama Traore, and they kept control.
The only worries were Sergino Dest going off injured and Pique also being subbed after feeling some discomfort.
Xavi will hope both are back quickly, with the latter a problem if he’s not ready for the Clasico.
