Galatasaray v Barcelona: Victor Osimhen faces major test in Champions League

Galatasaray host Barcelona at RAMS Park on Tuesday evening in the second game of the 2026-27 Champions League league phase, with the Turkish champions seeking a response to their opening defeat and the visitors protecting a perfect start to the season.

Okan Buruk’s side were beaten 3-1 away by Sporting CP in their first European fixture. Galatasaray took the lead through a Goncalo Inacio own goal but conceded three times in Lisbon and will need a significantly improved performance against one of the competition’s strongest attacks.

Their domestic form has been more positive. Abdulkerim Bardakcı scored first in Friday’s 3-1 victory over Kasımpasa, before late goals from Barıs Alper Yılmaz and Mario Lemina secured the points. The result moved the defending champions to 16 points from seven league matches.

However, Galatasaray’s 4-0 defeat at Trabzonspor immediately before the international break demonstrated the vulnerabilities that can emerge when opponents find space to attack.

Home advantage could prove important. Galatasaray’s home record was central to their European progress last season, when victories over Liverpool and Bodø/Glimt helped them reach the knockout phase. They then defeated Juventus and Liverpool again.

Barcelona began their Champions League campaign with a 5-1 win over Feyenoord and have continued that form domestically. Saturday’s 3-0 victory against Getafe, featuring goals from Anthony Gordon, Gabriel Jesus and Jules Kounde, was their eighth consecutive Liga win.

That result completed nine victories from nine matches in all competitions, a start Barcelona had not achieved since 1935-36. They have also lost only once in their past six Champions League away matches, recording three wins and two draws.

Barcelona have won five of their eight previous Champions League meetings with Galatasaray, with two draws and one defeat. They also won 2-1 on their last visit to Istanbul, against Galatasaray in the 2021-22 Europa League last 16, after a goalless first leg at Camp Nou.

Victor Osimhen is being monitored after returning from an adductor injury as a substitute against Kasımpasa. He helped create Lemina’s stoppage-time goal, but whether he is fit to start remains a major selection issue. Wilfried Singo is doubtful with a thigh problem, while Lucas Torreira is available despite being sent off against Kasımpasa because his suspension is domestic.

Barcelona will be without Raphinha, who missed the Getafe match with a thigh problem and is expected to remain unavailable. Andreas Christensen and Roony Bardghji are also sidelined, while Frenkie de Jong’s fitness remains uncertain. Gabriel Jesus is expected to retain his place, with Gordon and Lamine Yamal competing to provide width and penetration. Eric Garcia, suspended for the match against Feyenoord, is expected to return.

Galatasaray’s likely XI: Cakır; Gul, Sanchez, Bardakcı, Jakobs; Torreira, Sara, Akgun; Sane, Yılmaz, Leao.

Barcelona’s likely XI: Garcia; Kounde, Cubarsi, Eric Garcia, Cancelo; Pedri, Rodri, Olmo; Yamal, Jesus, Gordon.

The published betting selections are Barcelona to win and both teams to score at 1.89, Gabriel Jesus to score at 2.00, and Victor Osimhen to score at 2.60.

Galatasaray’s supporters and recent league victory should ensure a competitive contest, but Barcelona’s consistency and attacking movement across the frontline give the visitors the stronger record and momentum.