Five Keys For FC Barcelona To Beat Galatasaray In The Europa League

After failing to get the job done in Catalonia last week, FC Barcelona once more go on the road into the lion’s den needing to beat a continental foe on their own patch in the Europa League if they wish to clinch silverware this season.

This time their foes are Galatasaray, who promise to welcome the Blaugrana with a hostile environment and do all they can to stop the La Liga giants from progressing to the quarter-finals after a 0-0 stalemate at Camp Nou. If Barca remember the lessons Sport have highlighted from a 4-2 romp against Napoli in the play-offs last month, however, this could prove to be an easy night’s work.

Pressing and recovering the ball

First team coach Xavi Hernandez ordered his charges to suffocate Napoli with pressure from the first minute and not allow them to build play. After this, it was then important to get the ball back with Barca recovering it 53 times in total across the course of 90 minutes.

Finding the best role for Frenkie de Jong

Previously tipped to be put in the shop window in the summer transfer market, the Dutchman has been revitalized under Xavi in recent weeks. Barca will need the best version of the playmaker in order to thrive, however, and if he matches his Italian figures of nine recoveries, created chances (three) and completes 76 passes with 93% accuracy, the midfield will operate nicely.

Xavi rested De Jong for Sunday’s 4-0 win over Osasuna in La Liga, meaning he comes into this one rested and in peak physical condition.

Power from the wings

Jordi Alba and Sergino Dest were also outstanding in Naples, with the former-mentioned Spain international scoring an early goal that gave Barca the momentum in the tie.

With Dani Alves not registered for the competition, Dest can take advantage of the opportunity to impress while Xavi will also look to the likes of Adama Traore and Ousmane Dembele to unbalance the hosts.

Efficiency in front of goal

Barca were clinical on their last European away trip. From the 16 total shots they fired off, six were on target and four ended up as goals.

At Camp Nou, they also enjoyed 16 shots against the Turks in the first leg but will have to be far more efficient in this sitting after finishing that particular match scoreless for the first time in 93 days.

Getting the ball out from defense

Domenec Torrent’s men did not allow Barca to get the ball out from the back last time, and though Ronald Araujo’s ball-playing skills are getting better, he will need to do more alongside Gerard Pique to spread the ball to the wings and feed it to midfield for Barca to charge down the pitch in the fast transition game Xavi is fostering.