Galatasaray 1-2 Barcelona: Aubameyang winner sends Xavi’s men into Europa League quarter-finals

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang made it seven goals in 10 games for Barcelona to put Xavi’s side into Friday’s Europa League quarter-final draw. 

‘Let’s see who we get in the draw, but I think we are favourites,’ said Pedri after the 2-1 win.

They did it the hard way coming from behind thanks to a superb goal from Pedri and the former Arsenal forward’s winner. They also had to weather a late storm of plastic cups and bottles thrown from the stands that almost saw the players taken off the pitch.

Barcelona underestimated Galatasaray in the first leg and they were at it again in the first half conceding the opening goal of the game. Alexandru Cicaldau was looking dangerous and had already drawn a yellow card from Sergio Busquets. When Ryan Babel ran at Jordi Alba he forced a corner and from it Cicaldau set up Marcao for a diving header that he powered past Marc Andre ter Stegen.

The Brazilian defender had not scored all year and in celebrating only his second goal in four seasons for the club he broke the corner flag. Barcelona needed to respond before the break. And they did.

Pedri was upset at being flattened by Marcao on the edge of the area and not being awarded a free-kick. Revenge was sweet when he found himself with the ball at his feet inside the penalty area after a one-two from Frenkie de Jong and Ferran Torres.

Pedri dropped his shoulder and down went Victor Nelsson. He did it again and down went Marcao. He then drilled a low shot past Ignacio Peña to make it 1-1. Around 300 Turkey-based Barcelona supporters celebrated the goal that put Xavi’s team right back in it.

‘I dummied and kept dummying until the space appeared to shoot,’ said the midfielder after the game.

There was no complacency at the restart with Ousmane Dembele on for Adama Traore and Barcelona took the lead. Torres’ crossed from the left and Busquets shot. Peña saved but De Jong headed the rebound across the face of the goal and Aubameyang was on hand to score.

There was a set back for Barcelona moments later when Sergino Dest slid in with an important challenge in his own penalty area but pulled a muscle in the process and was replaced by Ronald Araujo.

Galatasaray were still in it and fierce swerving shot from Patrick van Aanholt went just over.

Gavi came on and was boisterous in midfield. He was booked for upending Taylan Antalyali. Kerem Akturkoglu then crossed and Marc Andre ter Stegen had to get down well to save after the ball deflected goalwards off of Ronaldo Araujo.

Tempers flared in the last 15 minutes with Alba pelted with plastic cups and bottles as he tried to take a throw. Twice he moved away from the touchline to avoid the missiles. The second time he kicked the ball angrily into the crowd.

Daniele Orsato booked him and, despite appearing to order the players off, called for play to continue after a brief pause and a stadium announcement.

The interruption favoured Barcelona broking up the remaining time and it was Barcelona who came closest to scoring again with Memphis shooting wide.