Fermin Lopez says Batrakov’s goal made Barcelona’s game harder

Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez has commented on his team’s 4-1 win over Galatasaray in the second round of the UEFA Champions League league phase.

The hosts took the lead in Istanbul through Batrakov in the 28th minute. Joao Cancelo equalised in the 43rd minute, and Lopez put the Catalan side ahead in the 50th. Anthony Gordon scored in the 53rd minute, while Karim Adeyemi added another in the 65th to complete the scoring.

Speaking to UEFA’s official website, Lopez said conceding the goal made his team’s task more difficult: “Until then, we had been in control of the game. But we knew how to respond and change the course of the match. We are playing at a high level and need to maintain this pace. The season is long, and we cannot become complacent.”

He described Lamine Yamal as a friend and a good teammate. Lopez called Yamal the best footballer in the world and said their good relationship off the pitch also had a positive effect on their play.

Barcelona lead the league-phase standings with six points after two rounds. Galatasaray, who have suffered a second consecutive defeat, are in 34th place.