Lamine Yamal inspires Barcelona comeback as Galatasaray fall 4-1 in Champions League

Barcelona came from behind to beat Galatasaray 4-1 on Tuesday in the Champions League, a result that extended a very impressive run of form for the Catalans. Lamine Yamal was the standout performer, with the 19-year-old producing two decisive assists after a slow start.

Barcelona players in action against Galatasaray

Yamal takes control

Yamal had Jakobs scrambling for cover every time he received the ball and came close to scoring on multiple occasions. His two assists in quick succession after the break, for Fermin Lopez and Anthony Gordon, turned the match. Our assessment gave him a 9 and the MVP award: "Those two incredible assists alone make him the MVP. Had a slow start to the game but he grew into it and man was he amazing after he hit his rhythm."

Pedri and Fermin Lopez run the midfield

Pedri was rated 8.5, having made one brilliant line-breaking pass after another and controlled the match tempo alongside Rodri. Fermin Lopez, rated 8, scored a great diving header and coordinated midfield and attack well.

Gordon and Adeyemi make an impact

Anthony Gordon had a tale of two halves, with mistimed runs and a missed sitter in the first half, and a slip that started the counter for Galatasaray's goal. He improved dramatically after the break, squeezing in a goal from a tight angle. Karim Adeyemi, rated 7.5, scored a half-volley off the bench.

Defensive concerns

João Cancelo was rated 8 for an assured performance at both ends, capped by sharp attacking positioning for his goal. Pau Cubarsi, rated 7.5, handled Osimhen well and began attacks with accurate passes from the back. Eric Garcia, rated 6, was primarily at fault for the goal conceded as he struggled with pacy wingers, and Rodri was also culpable for that goal after losing Batrakov in open space. Gerard Martín was rated 6 and struggled with the pace of play against Galatasaray's high press.

Olmo's false nine experiment falters

Dani Olmo, rated 3.5, was exposed as a false nine. He missed two sitters from early Pedri through-balls and had little influence before being substituted on the hour mark. Gabriel Jesus came on for him and immediately made the attack feel more cohesive.

Flick's tactics

Hansi Flick was rated 7. Our assessment questioned some starting selections, including Olmo at centre-forward and Eric Garcia at right-back, but praised the tactics and proactive substitutions. Jules Kounde, rated 7, kept Rafa Leao quieter than Garcia had, and was felt by the assessment to deserve a start.