FCBarcelona's Juvenil A achieved a 1-0 victory over GalatasarayB in the UEFA Youth League, with a penalty converted by PedroRodríguez in the 18th minute. The victory, which was achieved at the Ümraniye Stadium in Istanbul, gave the Barça team the three points necessary to advance in the table after the initial 1-2 defeat against Feyenoord.
PolPlanas, the reserve team coach, lined up the reinforcements he had called for the match, with MaxBonfill in goal and PedroRodríguez as central captain. Wingers ShaneKluivert and JoniHernández completed the attack, while the defense was made up of NuhuFofana, Gistau and other players in the squad. The team showed dominance of the game from the start, controlling the pace and possession of the ball.
The only goal of the match came when ÓscarGistau attempted a long-range shot that ended up hitting the crossbar after slightly deflecting ArdaYilmaz's goal. A minute later, Turkish defender EyüpKarasu caused a foul in the area on JoniHernández, forcing Rodríguez to take the penalty. His shot, precise and aimed at the top corner, sealed Barça's victory. The rest of the match was characterized by the youth's defensive solidity, with MaxBonfill making several crucial saves, including that of AdaYüzgeç.
Galatasaray tried to react, but their opportunities were limited. The Turkish team created danger on the counterattack, but the Barça goalkeeper remained calm. In the second half, Barça showed its offensive capacity with a shot by JoniHernández before the break and another by NilVicens at the beginning of extra time. Despite the pressure, the score remained 1‑0.
Referee KlymZabroda, from Ukraine, controlled the match firmly, sending off Turkish defender Kahraman for a double yellow and booking Simsek and Sivaslioglu. The match was attended by around 1,000 spectators in the stadium.
With this victory, Barça's Juvenil A is positioned in 17th position in the UEFA Youth League table, approaching the direct elimination phase. The team is preparing for its next match against Paris Saint-Germain, where it will seek to continue its campaign with the same determination and style of play that has characterized them until now.