Barcelona’s European lives are on the line on Thursday when Xavi’s men visit Galatasaray in the UEFA Europa League round of 16. Last week’s first leg ended in a 0-0 draw, which means the winner of this game advances to the last eight. A draw after 90 minutes means extra time, and if we’re still level after that, we head to penalty kicks. Barca still enter as the favorite as they are in exceptional form in La Liga, but can they translate that over to Europa League after poor attacking performances in two of their last three games?
Here’s our storylines, how you can watch the match and more:
How to watch and odds
Date: Thursday, March 17 | Time: 1:45 p.m. ET
Location: NEF Stadyumu — Istanbul, Turkey
TV and live stream: Paramount+
Odds: Galatasaray +700; Draw +380; Barcelona -270 (via Caesars Sportsbook)
Featured Game | Galatasaray vs. Barcelona
Storylines
Galatasaray: Fatih Ozturk remains out with a vestibular disorder, while former Barca man Arda Turan has missed three games with a groin strain. Otherwise, the hosts are healthy and ready to roll, looking to build off the big 2-1 win over Besiktas on Sunday.
Barcelona: Sergi Roberto (hamstring), Samuel Umtiti (toe) and Ansu Fati (hamstring) remain out. Dani Alves is not eligible to play in the competition, which means we will likely see American Sergino Dest from the beginnng. On a positive note for the team, they enter in incredible form. Barca are 10 games unbeaten and have scored at least four goals in four of their last six games. Anything close to that here will likely see them cruise into the last eight.
Prediction
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is the hero, getting two more goals for his club to advance to the last eight. Pick: Barcelona 2, Galatasaray 1
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