Barcelona 0-0 Galatasaray: 5 Talking Points as Barca fail to grind out a win | UEFA Europa League 2021-22

Barcelona and Galatasaray played out a 0-0 draw in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 fixture at the Camp Nou.

The Catalans started the game slowly which allowed Galatasaray to keep hold of possession and grow quickly into the game. But the team from Turkey could not create much trouble as the hosts had it under control at the back.

Memphis Depay came close to scoring from a free-kick but Inaki Pena made a great save to deny the Dutch international. Depay tried his luck once again in the 42nd minute when he unleashed a powerful strike from outside the box, only to be saved by Pena once again.

Following the restart, the Blaugrana tried to up the ante with the introduction of Ousmane Dembele. Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba came close with their efforts but it was Frenkie de Jong who missed the easiest chance of the night.

The Dutchman's shot struck the woodwork in what should have been an easy finish. Galatasaray scored one late in the game through Bafetimbi Gomis, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

Full Time #BarçaGalatasaray https://t.co/kc1sbThATh

Here's a look at five talking points from a night from when the Catalans were expected to win but played out a frustrating draw:

#5 Ferran Torres had a torrid game

Ferran Torres in action against Galatasaray.

Ferran Torres had a game to forget and was not just up for it against Galatasaray. The Spaniard, who has drawn some criticism for his finishing skills lately, started on the right wing on the night. But with Memphis as a striker, the two kept switching, causing a lot of confusion down the line.

Torres won just one out of his five duels. Additionally, he failed to have a single shot on goal and also failed to create a single chance throughout his stay on the pitch. The 22-year-old was ultimately taken off by Xavi in favor of Ousmane Dembele in the second half of the game.

#4 Inaki Pena shines for Galatasaray

Inaki Pena had a great game against his parent club. The 23-year-old is on loan from the Catalans and showed them that he could give Marc-Andre ter Stegen a tough fight for the goalkeeping spot. His performance all but confirmed that it would be right for the club from Catalunya to bring the youngster back to replace Neto.

Barcelona are planning with Iñaki Peña for the future, Neto will leave in the summer. 🔴🧤 #FCB

Xavi confirms: “The idea was for Iñaki Peña to leave on loan to return and the idea hasn't changed. He was brave to leave and I'm very happy for him”, via @barcacentre. https://t.co/nDuffvrQZv

Xavi was mightily impressed with Pena's performance last night. He made some stunning saves in the match, denying Depay and Sergio Busquets. Overall, he made four saves, three high claims, two punches and gave 12 accurate long balls.