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Barcelona’s 17-match clean-sheet drought clouds Champions League bid

Barcelona centre-back concerns remain after a 4-1 Galatasaray win, with Abelardo pointing to a 17-match Champions League clean-sheet drought.

By Carmelo Vega · Football Espana (Barcelona)

Published: Thursday, 15 October 2026 at 8:00 PM

Key Things to Know

Former defender Abelardo argues Barcelona still needs a top-level center-back following a 17-match Champions League clean-sheet drought.
Barcelona defeated Galatasaray 4-1 on October 13, 2026, conceding the opening goal before pulling away.
Hansi Flick's side has won both European matches this season but conceded in games against Feyenoord and Galatasaray.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Former Barcelona defender Abelardo stated that Hansi Flick's squad needs a top-level center-back to win the Champions League. Barcelona reached a 17-match run without a clean sheet in the competition following a 4-1 victory over Galatasaray on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.

Abelardo argued that Barcelona lacks the defensive quality needed to win individual duels against elite forwards such as Harry Kane and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Barcelona did not sign a central defender during the summer transfer window and has conceded goals in both European wins this season.

Read the full article on Football Espana (Barcelona)

Barcelona’s 17-match clean-sheet drought clouds Champions League bid

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