Champions League: tension rises ahead of Galatasaray-Barcelona

Galatasaray supporters set off fireworks outside FC Barcelona's hotel

Europe Today at 18:49

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Champions League: tension rises ahead of Galatasaray-Barcelona

13.10.26 15:00 Champions League

Galatasaray

Barcelona

Galatasaray supporters Galatasaray supporters set off fireworks outside the hotel where the FC Barcelona delegation is staying in Istanbul, on the eve of the clash between the two teams in the Champions League. The Turkish club hosts the Catalan side in a context where it must respond after losing on the opening matchday of the league phase.

Despite the late hour, Galatasaray supporters gathered outside the hotel where the FC Barcelona delegation is staying in Istanbul. According to Spanish daily Mundo Deportivo, they chanted songs while fireworks were set off near the hotel. The disturbances reportedly prevented the Barcelona players from sleeping

The incident comes as the two teams meet in Istanbul for this second matchday of the league phase. The Istanbul supporters intend to back their club ahead of an important fixture for the rest of its European campaign.

The fireworks and nighttime chants are not the only factors fueling tension ahead of this match. Mario Lemina also taunted Lamine Yamal, adding an episode of provocation to the already electric atmosphere surrounding Galatasaray-Barcelona.

Galatasaraylı taraftarlar, Barcelona kafilesinin kaldığı otelin önünde havai fişek patlattı. pic.twitter.com/ju4oQkTiQS
— MR King News TR (@mknews_tr) October 12, 2026

On the opening matchday, September 9, Galatasaray lost 3-1 away to Sporting CP. The Turkish club must therefore look for its first points in this league phase against an opponent that made a successful start.

FC Barcelona, for its part, comfortably defeated Feyenoord (5-1). The Catalans head into this away fixture with three points already secured, while Galatasaray are playing at home in an attempt to revive their campaign.

The match is scheduled for Tuesday, October 13, at RAMS Park in Istanbul. It remains to be seen whether the fireworks incident actually disrupted the Barcelona players' rest: this consequence has not been confirmed at this stage.