Following their dramatic victory over Athletic Bilbao on Sunday, Barcelona gear up for an additional high-stakes showdown on their house turf, towards Shakhtar Donetsk within the third Champions League group stage match on Wednesday.
The Catalans are poised to clinch a spot within the spherical of 16 in the event that they safe a victory on this essential conflict, a goal they set for themselves on the outset of the season.
Collecting all three factors may even present a considerable increase of confidence as they method the looming El Clasico showdown.
However, the problem stays immense, compounded by a collection of accidents which have plagued Barcelona.
In a recreation the place each ounce of warning is warranted, coach Xavi Hernandez might be anticipated to rigorously navigate his restricted participant pool to stop additional accidents.
While a well-deserved relaxation for Joao Cancelo has been known as for, circumstances depart no room for such luxuries, with no viable alternative within the right-back place.
On the alternative flank, Marcos Alonso is about to take the reins, courtesy of Alejandro Balde’s untimely exit within the final recreation because of a sore calf.
It is a clever option to hold the younger full-back in reserve, making certain his health for the upcoming weekend, and doubtlessly reuniting the formidable center-back pairing of Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen.
However, Xavi would possibly choose to relaxation Cancelo and experiment with Araujo at right-back, leading to Christensen and Inigo Martinez holding down the fort within the central protection.
In the midfield division, Barcelona’s choices have dwindled additional with the suspension of Gavi, who incurred a late crimson card of their conflict with FC Porto three weeks in the past.
Now, the onus falls on Oriol Romeu, Ilkay Gündogan, and the younger prodigy, Fermin Lopez.
The latter’s power, intelligence, and creativity have been incomes him belief inside the group, and his efficiency on this match might have profound implications for his function within the upcoming Clasico.
Another rising expertise, Lamine Yamal, is about to return to his customary place on the appropriate wing, pushing Ferran Torres right into a central function after his stint on the appropriate over the weekend.
Joao Felix is poised to take his place on the left, hoping to proceed his unbelievable type and maybe even discover the web towards Shakhtar.
The 17-year-old sensation, Marc Guiu, has turned heads along with his in a single day emergence, and he’s prone to make an look from the bench.
Should he be granted a possibility, it could be nothing in need of spectacular if he might comply with up on his dream debut along with his first European purpose.
Barcelona’s journey by the Champions League has been a check of mettle, typified by their hard-fought 1-0 victory over Porto on matchday two.
Shakhtar, their subsequent challengers, are a aspect identified for his or her persistence, as evidenced by their gorgeous comeback towards Antwerp.
Intriguingly, Shakhtar Donetsk have had a rocky experience in latest Champions League group-stage matches, with solely two victories of their final 15 outings.
Despite boasting a superior head-to-head document towards La Blaugrana, the guests enter the conflict because the “underdogs.”
Lord of Chaos
Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid have earned a brand new moniker – “The Lord of Chaos.”
In a topsy-turvy contest towards Feyenoord, they managed to emerge victorious.
However, Celtic might make a compelling case for that title as nicely.
The Scottish aspect confronted adversity, dropping to Eredivisie membership with simply 9 males, earlier than struggling a heart-wrenching late defeat by the hands of Lazio.
Celtic’s Champions League woes have continued, with just one win of their final 23 group-stage matches, underlining the challenges they face.
Struggling for targets
For the conflict between Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan, each groups have struggled to seek out the again of the web.
Milan’s Davide Calabria lamented their missed alternatives, acknowledging that at this stage, squandered possibilities can show expensive.
Their goalless draw towards Dortmund within the group stage exemplified their offensive struggles.
Paris Saint-Germain, alternatively, conceded 4 targets in a gaggle match for the primary time since 2001, in a humbling 4-1 defeat to Newcastle.
Both groups discover themselves in a fiercely aggressive group, and because the strain mounts, the hunt for targets turns into ever extra crucial.
Testing instances
Ahead of the Dortmund tie, Newcastle’s Kieran Trippier has exuded confidence as his group defied the percentages and bested Paris Saint-Germain.
Trippier emphasised the significance of placing their stamp on the sport, urgent successfully and testing their opponents’ defenders and goalkeeper.
Dortmund, alternatively, have been unable to seek out the again of the web of their first two group video games.
As the 2 sides conflict, expectations are excessive, however each groups discover themselves in numerous conditions, one looking for to proceed their success whereas the opposite is eager to make an announcement.
Improvement seekers
Despite a 3-1 defeat at house to Manchester City on matchday two, Leipzig stay in a positive place within the group.
They acknowledge the necessity for refinement of their recreation. Defender Lukas Klostermann identified that they confirmed ardour of their defensive efforts however have been considerably frantic on the ball.
With their Serbian guests, Crvena Zvezda, having claimed their first factors within the group with a draw towards Young Boys, Leipzig intention to raise their efficiency.
Alvarez’s rise
Manchester City, grappling with damage woes, have seen less-regular starters step as much as the event.
Julian Alvarez has been a revelation, rising because the joint-top scorer within the competitors after two video games.
His essential strike propelled City to a 3-1 victory over Leipzig.
Midfielder Phil Foden has hailed Alvarez’s contributions, recognizing him as a go-to participant for important moments.
As City face Young Boys in a double-header, the highlight stays firmly on Álvarez as he seeks so as to add to his burgeoning tally.
Evaluating errors
Despite Porto’s setback with a 1-0 defeat to Barcelona on matchday 2, defender Wendell stays optimistic about their energy and their prospects within the competitors.
Antwerp, nonetheless, face a extra precarious state of affairs, having squandered a 2-0 result in Shakhtar in a 3-2 house defeat.
Defender Owen Wijndal acknowledges the necessity for introspection and evaluation within the aftermath of the match.
As these two groups conflict, they’re pushed by the will to rectify previous errors and search a path to redemption.
Source: www.dailysabah.com
