Manchester City will visit Barcelona in a fight to be the only Premier League team advancing to the quarterfinals in the UEFA Champions League. With Arsenal and Chelsea already out, the Citizens need to challenge history at Camp Nou.
When it comes to clinching a ticket to move on in a tournament at home, Barcelona has successfully done so since 1984. They are almost perfect when it comes to winning the second leg of a series.
This time, Los Cules have a 2-1 advantage they earned at Etihad Stadium. Their motivation for the task ahead is powered by recently surpassing Real Madrid to claim the lead of La Liga. They also have won 16 out of the 18 games played this year. The Messi, Suarez and Neymar attack is in top form, it’s hard to stop them.
Luis Enrique is not finding comfort in any of that. He wants his team to play like if the aggregate was still leveled and they must find a way to win. Sergio Busquets and Thomas Vermaelen won’t be available for Lucho, but Jordi Alba, Dani Alves, Javier Mascherano and Andres Iniesta are fully rested and ready to go.
This year, Manchester City has only won nine of the 18 games they have played away from home. In their most recent visit during the Champions League, the Citizens went to Roma and won by 2-0. That same score would open them the doors to the next round.
The best news for Pellegrini is being able to count on Yaya Toure. The former Barcelona midfielder is coming back after a short suspension. This time it is Gael Clichy who can’t be considered to play after seeing the red card in the first game.
There is faith from some Citizens to complete the upset. Players like Lampard, who will soon be moving to Los Angeles, is excited for his final trip to Camp Nou. The Premiere League champions see it as a chance to prove they are among Europe’s finest clubs. They also know they are facing a team on a hot streak.
Barcelona has not lost by two or more goals since October 25, 2014 against Real Madrid on the road. The statistics clearly favor the home team, but once the ball starts rolling and until the final whistle blows, there is still a chance for Man City.
Team sheets for Barcelona vs Manchester City
Barcelona's XI: Ter Stegen,Piqué, Rakitic, Iniesta, Suárez, Messi, Neymar, Mascherano, J. Alba, Alves, Mathieu.
Man City's XI: Hart, Sagna, Kompany, Demichelis, Kolarov, Nasri, Fernandinho, Toure, Milner, Silva, Aguero
Barcelona's subs: Bravo, Bartra, Adriano, Sergi Roberto, Xavi, Rafinha, Pedro.
Man City's subs: Caballero, Zabaleta, Lampard, Fernando, Bony, Navas, Dzeko.
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