João Cancelo equalizes for Barcelona against Galatasaray

A goal in Istanbul

João Cancelo scored Barcelona’s equalizer before halftime against Galatasaray in Istanbul on October 13, El País reported. His goal followed a Dani Olmo ball recovery after Aleksey Batrakov’s opener. El País recorded the score at 1-1 early in the second half, with the Champions League match still in progress. ^[1]

An earlier standout strike

The European goal follows an individual accolade for another attacking contribution. Barcelona announced on October 1 that Cancelo’s strike against Racing Santander at the Spotify Camp Nou had been selected as La Liga’s best goal of September. That award concerns the earlier league match, rather than Tuesday’s Champions League appearance. ^[2]

The club described the Racing goal as a shot from the edge of the penalty area after eight minutes. It struck the crossbar on its way into the upper corner, beyond goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala. The recognition supplies a documented example of the defender’s shooting before his latest contribution in Istanbul. ^[2]

A permanent return

Barcelona’s current player profile places Cancelo’s latest spell in a wider sequence of moves. He returned on loan from Al Hilal for the second half of 2025-26, then joined permanently on a three-year agreement at the end of that season, according to the club. Its profile lists the permanent-transfer announcement on August 20. ^[3]

The same profile explains why his position does not limit him to defensive work. During his earlier Barcelona spell he played on both sides, while at Manchester City he had also moved into midfield from fullback under Pep Guardiola. Barcelona identifies that versatility as useful to Hansi Flick. Tuesday’s goal is a further attacking contribution, while the live score remains separate from any eventual result. ^[3]