Barcelona Players Assess Galatasaray Challenge in Istanbul

Barcelona prepared for its UEFA Champions League match against Galatasaray in Istanbul as defender Pau Cubarsi and president Joan Laporta addressed the challenge on October 13, 2026. According to fanatik.com.tr and habersbalikesir.com, the club focused on preparation, motivation and the atmosphere expected at RAMS Park.

Cubarsi said Barcelona understood the difficulty of playing at Galatasaray's stadium and emphasized concentration before the match. The defender spoke during a press conference held at RAMS Park before the fixture, according to fanatik.com.tr.

"We know the atmosphere here. We also have to focus. We have to focus on the small details. Because that will be the most important thing in tomorrow's match," said Pau Cubarsi, Barcelona player.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta discussed the team's condition after attending an official dinner in Istanbul before the Champions League game, according to habersbalikesir.com. He said he was satisfied with the team's motivation and recent training intensity under Hansi Flick.

"We feel good. We are playing a match in the best club competition in the world, the Champions League. We are in a good period. The intensity was very high in yesterday's training session and the players were highly motivated," said Joan Laporta, Barcelona president.

Laporta also said Barcelona aims for success across competitions and highlighted the role of sporting director Deco and his team in building the squad, according to habersbalikesir.com. He declined to discuss Real Madrid's complaints and kept attention on the Galatasaray match.

"I will not get into Madrid's complaints, I will talk about Barcelona. We are in Turkey and we are playing against Galatasaray. Istanbul is a wonderful city that I recommend.

Football is breathed in Galatasaray's stadium and this is a hell. It is the kind of match you enjoy playing," said Joan Laporta, Barcelona president.