Rodri must set the pace as Barcelona face Galatasaray in Istanbul

Barcelona travel to the Ali Sami Yen for their first high-pressure European test, aiming to secure their second win in the Champions League league phase. The match against Galatasaray on Matchday 2 puts Rodri at the centre of the Barça plan to control the game in Istanbul.

Under Hansi Flick, the idea is that the midfielder provides solutions to help build from the back and keep the contest from turning into a constant end-to-end exchange. Keeping possession with purpose is also crucial to limit Galatasaray’s quick transitions led by Victor Osimhen, Rafael Leão and Leroy Sané.

Rodri arrives backed by his Champions League 2023 run: the City success over Inter in Istanbul, where he scored in the 1-0 win. Flick has to make do without Raphinha, who is not in the squad due to right thigh discomfort picked up during the international break.

The hosts, coached by Okan Buruk, are coming off a 3-1 defeat to Sporting CP in their opener, making the atmosphere even more demanding. As Mundo Deportivo notes, Rodri’s experience and tactical reading are expected to be decisive.