Merely a month after manufacturing a historical comeback against Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona are in dire need of another sizeable turnaround against Juventus, for which the majority of the following ten commandments must be checked by the Catalans.
Lionel Messi proved against Real Sociedad he is ready to lead the Blaugrana alongside his front line peers Luis Suarez and Neymar. The latter was the main catalyst of the comeback versus the French champions with a brace and a masterful assist to Sergi Roberto.
The defensive midfielder was firing on all cylinders after the international break and Barcelona felt his absence in Italy, where his substitute Javier Mascherano was exposed for two goals. Captain, Iniesta, typically brings his A game in these situations.
The German stopper played a big role against PSG and he must do so once again on Wednesday, since a Juventus goal would force the Catalans to net five goals against a stout defence that has only allowed two throughout the whole competition.
The Asturian boss, who blamed the players for a dreadful first half in Turin, must decide whether to feature three or four defenders.
It’s been a while since the Blaugrana last scored from a set piece, actions that often tilt the evenly-matched Champions League ties.
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Those sitting on the bench, such as Paco Alcacer, may end up being decisive in a high-intensity match with potential extra time. As was the case with Sergi Roberto against PSG.
Neymar and Co. must exploit the area defended by their former teammate, something they barely attempted in Italy.
Had it not been for Deniz Aytekin’s errors, Barcelona would not be in the quarter-final round, hence the official’s judgement could be critical on Wednesday.
The home fans embraced their role as No. 12 player against the French giants and they must replicate that electric atmosphere if they want to carry their team to another victory.
Barcelona were all but eliminated in the previous round when they needed three goals in less than ten minutes, but the players never raised the white flag and achieved the unthinkable. The miracle has happened once, why not twice?
