Dominik Livakovic is set to begin Galatasaray Vs Barcelona on the bench, with Barcelona expected to keep faith in Joan Garcia for the UEFA Champions League match at RAMS Park. The decision underlines where Hansi Flick currently sees the balance in goal, even with Livakovic included in the squad.
The game kicks off on 13 October 2026 at 22.00, and Barcelona arrive with a clear choice made between the posts. Livakovic, who joined Barcelona in August 2026, has not been ruled out by injury or suspension, but the early indication is that he will not start against Galatasaray.
Why Livakovic is not starting
The key point is simple: Barcelona have recently preferred Joan Garcia in goal. That leaves Livakovic in a supporting role for now, despite his experience and profile.
For a goalkeeper, selection is about rhythm as much as reputation. If a manager feels one option is settled, there is usually little reason to disturb it before a major European night.
Livakovic’s case is still notable because he is not arriving at Barcelona as an unknown. Born in Zadar on 9 January 1995, he has built a strong reputation over a career that includes spells at NK Zagreb, Dinamo Zagreb and Fenerbahçe.
A familiar face back in Turkey
There is also a wider layer to this story. Livakovic is a former Fenerbahçe goalkeeper who has returned to Turkey wearing Barcelona colours, which adds extra intrigue to his squad place ahead of the Galatasaray - Barcelona karşılaşması.
His best-known international moment remains the 2022 World Cup, when he saved three penalties against Japan in a shootout. That kind of pedigree is exactly why his name carries weight even when he is not first choice.
For Barcelona, though, the immediate answer is already clear: Joan Garcia looks set to keep goal against Galatasaray. Livakovic is in the squad, but at least for this match, the bench appears to be his starting point.
