Cevad Prekazi on Galatasaray vs Barcelona: 'No team is unbeatable'
In brief
Galatasaray great Cevad Prekazi says Barcelona can be beaten when the Turkish champions host the Spanish side in the Champions League on 13 October 2026 in Istanbul. Prekazi also called Galatasaray's 4-0 defeat at Trabzonspor deserved.
Cevad Prekazi, one of Galatasaray's most celebrated former players, has backed the Turkish champions to compete with Barcelona in the Champions League. Speaking to supporters at a fan event, Prekazi said Barcelona were not unbeatable, according to Turkish news agency DHA, and pointed to a recent 3-0 league defeat for Arsenal as proof that surprises happen. His comments were published on 7 October 2026.
“There is no team in Europe or in the world that cannot be beaten. Arsenal, for example, lost 3-0 in their own league a few weeks ago. When was the last time Arsenal conceded three goals? These things happen; in football, both the expected and the unexpected can happen.”
Okan Buruk's Galatasaray opened their Champions League league-phase campaign with a 3-1 defeat away to Sporting CP in Lisbon on 9 September 2026. On the same night, Barcelona beat Feyenoord 5-1 at home. The two clubs meet at Galatasaray's home ground in Istanbul on 13 October 2026 (ScoreLab data).
Barcelona have started the season far more consistently than Galatasaray. According to ScoreLab data, the Catalan club have won all 7 of their La Liga matches, scoring 31 goals and conceding 7. Galatasaray have collected 13 points from 6 Süper Lig games and sit second in the Turkish top flight.
| 2026/27 | |
|---|---|
| Galatasaray, Süper Lig | 6 games: 4 wins, 1 draw, 1 defeat |
| Galatasaray, Süper Lig goals | 13 scored, 10 conceded (2nd, 13 points) |
| Galatasaray, UCL matchday 1 | Sporting CP 3-1 Galatasaray |
| Barcelona, La Liga | 7 games, 7 wins, 31 scored, 7 conceded |
| Barcelona, UCL matchday 1 | Barcelona 5-1 Feyenoord |
Source: ScoreLab data (as of 7 October 2026)
Cevad Prekazi said Galatasaray deserved to lose 4-0 at Trabzonspor on 19 September 2026. In remarks carried by Halk TV, the former winger said the team started the game without discipline and that the defence failed to deal with Salah's long runs for the first and fourth goals. Overall, he described the start of the season as good.
“We'll see. The start was good, but the Trabzon defeat hit hard.”
Prekazi also said he believed the international break had come at a good time for Galatasaray, who have not played a competitive match since the Trabzonspor game.
“There was no discipline, but I believe this international break has been good for Galatasaray. I believe Galatasaray will carry on well; there are tough games ahead, especially in the Champions League.”
Turning to Galatasaray's domestic rivals, Cevad Prekazi noted that the club have won four league titles in a row and claimed their rivals were waiting for them to slip. Naming Fenerbahçe, Beşiktaş and Trabzonspor, he repeated his long-held view that Galatasaray stand above them. He also said the club's supporters had always shown him respect and affection, and that he remains proud of that bond around 40 years after he stopped playing.
Galatasaray vs Barcelona is scheduled for 13 October 2026 at Galatasaray's home ground in Istanbul, the second match of the Champions League league phase. According to ScoreLab's fixture data, Galatasaray first host Kasımpaşa in the Süper Lig on 9 October 2026. After Barcelona, they travel to Gençlerbirliği on 17 October and to Lille in the Champions League on 21 October.
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Frequently asked questions
What did Cevad Prekazi say about Barcelona?
Cevad Prekazi said no team in Europe or the world is unbeatable, citing Arsenal's recent 3-0 league defeat as an example.
When do Galatasaray play Barcelona?
Galatasaray host Barcelona in the Champions League league phase on 13 October 2026 in Istanbul.
How did Galatasaray start their Champions League campaign?
Galatasaray lost their opening match 3-1 away to Sporting CP on 9 September 2026.
How have Barcelona started the 2026/27 season?
According to ScoreLab data, Barcelona have won all 7 of their La Liga games and beat Feyenoord 5-1 in their Champions League opener.
This analysis was prepared by the ScoreLab Newsroom using the sources listed and ScoreLab data. Editorial policy