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Barcelona warned in Istanbul: “Welcome to hell”
SportNestra Editorial Teamabout 5 hours ago1 views
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (free licence), cropped and styled by SportNestra — author and licence
“Welcome to hell” is the warning accompanying the 131 decibels expected for Barcelona in Istanbul. The Blaugrana are set to visit Ali Sami Yen – RAMS Park, Galatasaray’s home ground, described as one of football’s most hostile stadiums for visiting teams.
The phrase reflects a long-standing tradition in the stands. The former stadium was nicknamed “Turkish hell”; at the new ground, supporters greet visiting teams with a giant mosaic carrying the words “Welcome to hell”. The name Ali Sami Yen honours the founder of the Turkish club, while its principal sponsor, RAMS Global, is associated with the stadium’s current name.
The noise forecast recalls a notable earlier occasion: on 18 March 2011, during a derby against Fenerbahçe, Galatasaray supporters reached 131.76 decibels. The sound level was then a world record for a football stadium.
But the anticipated atmosphere does not mean Barcelona arrive without experience. On their three most recent visits to Istanbul, the club showed it could quiet the stands. The following season, under Louis van Gaal, Barcelona also won 2-0, with goals from Kluivert and Luis Enrique; the latter’s goal was his 100th for Barcelona.
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