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Galatasaray vs. Barcelona to battle in Europa League
Baku, March 17, AZERTAC
Hopeful Galatasaray are set to play one of the most critical matches in the 2021-22 season as the Lions will take on Barcelona in the UEFA Europa League's last 16 second leg on Thursday in Istanbul, according to Anadolu Agency.
Barcelona have been the favorites of this tie but the first leg in Spain ended 0-0 on March 10.
The goalless draw at Barcelona's Camp Nou Stadium raised quarterfinals hopes of Galatasaray.
As UEFA abolished the away goals rule at the beginning of this season, the winning team in the second leg will qualify for the quarterfinals.
On Monday, Kerem Akturkoglu-led Galatasaray beat city rivals Besiktas 2-1 at home in the Turkish Super Lig, which meant a morale boosting victory for the Lions.
The Galatasaray vs. Barcelona showdown at Istanbul's Nef Stadium will begin at 8.45 p.m. local time (1745 GMT).
Italian referee Daniele Orsato will officiate the match.
UEFA Europa League second leg fixtures are as follows:
Crvena zvezda - Rangers (0-3)
Monaco - Braga (0-2)
Bayer Leverkusen - Atalanta (2-3)
Galatasaray - Barcelona (0-0)
Olympique Lyon - Porto (1-0)
West Ham United - Sevilla (0-1)
Eintracht Frankfurt - Real Betis (2-1)