Galatasaray hosted Barcelona's senior officials at a friendship dinner on Galatasaray Island ahead of their UEFA Champions League League Phase clash. The event on Tuesday brought together the presidents and board members of both historic clubs in a show of mutual respect before the high-stakes European fixture.
Galatasaray President Dursun Aydın Özbek welcomed Barcelona President Joan Laporta and his delegation. UEFA delegate Danijell Jost also attended the gathering, which featured an exchange of gifts between the clubs. Both teams presented a jersey to the UEFA official, and the Barcelona contingent later toured the island.
Joan Laporta expressed his admiration for Istanbul and Galatasaray. "I love Istanbul, this city," said Laporta. "Being here with the president of Galatasaray and this historic club in Turkey is a great honour for me." The Barcelona president added that a great match awaited the two sides.
Dursun Aydın Özbek thanked the guests and shared his hopes for the encounter. "Two great clubs will have a very good match," said Özbek. "I hope it will be a nice, friendly match without any injuries."
The dinner preceded the Matchday 2 fixture at Ali Sami Yen Sports Complex, which Barcelona won 4-1 on October 13. Despite that European result, Galatasaray's recent domestic form remains strong. The team has collected 16 points from 7 league games, winning 5 and drawing 2 to maintain top spot. This run includes a period where they scored 5 goals and conceded just 1 across their last two league outings. Holding a one-point lead, the team now turns its focus to the league, with an away fixture against 13th-placed Gençlerbirliği S.K. next on the schedule. Galatasaray travel to Ankara to face Gençlerbirliği on Saturday, October 17.
More detail at galatasaray.org
