Cubarsí Compared to Maldini, Vinícius Suspension & Champions League Clash with Galatasaray - October 13, 2026
Barça face Galatasaray in Istanbul while Vinícius's red card threatens his Clásico availability. Paolo Montero hails Cubarsí as the next Maldini.
Cubarsí Earns Maldini Comparison as Barça Head to Istanbul
Paolo Montero doesn't throw compliments around lightly. The Uruguayan defensive legend told AS that Pau Cubarsí reminds him of Paolo Maldini, which is about the highest praise a centre-back can receive. "Cubarsí se parece a Maldini," Montero said when discussing the Golden Boy favourite. Coming from someone who battled Serie A strikers through the 1990s, those words carry weight.
The 19-year-old will need every ounce of that composure tonight when Barcelona travel to the RAMS Park to face Galatasaray. Cubarsí spoke candidly about facing Victor Osimhen again, acknowledging that "things may have changed" since their last encounter. The Nigerian striker has been in blistering form for the Turkish giants, and the RAMS Park atmosphere is legendary—a cauldron that's as much a part of Galatasaray's identity as the yellow and red shirts themselves.
Hansi Flick confirmed his squad for the Champions League clash, and the German coach addressed questions about Gabriel Jesus and, more pressingly, about Real Madrid's Vinícius Jr situation. Speaking of which...
Vinícius Red Card Could Hand Barça a Clásico Gift
Real Madrid's worst nightmare might be Barcelona's dream scenario. Vinícius saw red against Villarreal, overshadowing Yan Diomandé's first Madrid goal in what was otherwise a routine victory. Los Blancos sit six points behind us in La Liga, and now they're sweating over whether their Brazilian star will be available for the Clásico later this month.
Madrid are reportedly planning an appeal, but these things rarely go their way. The suspension puts their entire Clásico strategy at risk. Without Vinícius's pace and directness, Carlo Ancelotti will need to rethink his attacking setup completely. Not that we're complaining, mind you.
Gordon Makes His Mark, PSG March On
Anthony Gordon scored his first Barcelona goal in the 3-0 demolition of Getafe, extending our perfect start to La Liga. The England international has settled quickly since his summer move, adding another dimension to our attack alongside Lamine Yamal—who, according to a former Galatasaray player speaking to AS, "is the next Messi, no discussion."
Bold words, but Yamal keeps backing them up. There was an ugly moment caught by Movistar+'s cameras where Alavés defender Abqar tried to unsettle him with repeated comments about "wanting to play for Morocco." Pathetic stuff, really. The kid handled it with maturity beyond his years.
Meanwhile, Luis Enrique continues his quest for a third consecutive Champions League title with PSG. BBC Sport's Guillem Balague examined how Lucho keeps the Parisians at the top, though it stings watching him achieve so much success away from Camp Nou. We had something special together, and you wonder what might have been.
LaLiga Round-Up
Elsewhere in Spain, Real Betis hammered Osasuna 5-2 with Isco grabbing a brace, moving them up to third on 19 points. Atlético Madrid finally rediscovered their winning touch at Alavés, with Cristian Romero heading home an 87th-minute winner to end a four-match winless streak. The Rayo Vallecano versus Athletic Club match was abandoned following protests, leaving Athletic's already congested schedule in even more chaos.
Tonight's focus, though, is Istanbul. The Turkish cauldron awaits, and we'll need Cubarsí channeling his inner Maldini to keep Osimhen quiet.
