Galatasaray secured a priceless draw away to Barcelona but had few goalmouth actions, they had only one shot all through the game
By Kehinde Okeowo
Barcelona face a problematic return leg after they were held to a goalless draw by Turkish side Galatasaray in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie.
The Blaugrana dominated ball possession but had just one shot on target from their 10 shots, the visitors also had only one shot all through the game.
The Spanish giant, despite not hitting the target more than once, had a host of goal scoring opportunities spurned by poor marksmanship.
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Frenkie de Jong missed his side’s best chance to score when he struck the post in the second half from a follow up from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s initial effort.
Memphis Depay twice went close to giving Barcelona the lead too but he was denied twice by Galatasaray goalkeeper Inaki Pena, his teammate who is on loan to the Turkish outfit.
The host had a late scare when the player the fastest hattrick in Champions League’s history, Bafetimbi Gomis scored a sublime late goal but it was ruled out for offside.
Barcelona also s another effort from their right back, Jordi Alba sent inches wide of the far post as the visitors held on to keep the tie level ahead of next week’s second leg in Turkey on 17 March.
OTHER EUROPA LEAGUE ROUND OF 16 RESULTS
Sevilla 1 vs West Ham 0
Atalanta 3 vs B Leverkusen 2
Rangers 3 vs Red Star Belgrade 0
Sporting Braga 2 vs Monaco 0
RB Leipzig vs Spartak Moscow (cancelled)