Barcelona will look to silence their critics tonight
The very historic and well known Camp Nou will host yet another semi-final matchup tonight as Chelsea travel to Barcelona to defend a 1-0 lead. Although Barcelona go into the match at a disadvantage on aggregate, the Catalan's still have a chance to claim some silverware this season.
Having already guaranteed a spot in the Copa del Rey final against Atletico Bilbao, Guardiola and company will now turn their attentions to a 'do or die' match tonight. The Blaugrana are coming off a deflating defeat to long time rivals Real Madrid at the Camp Nou this weekend, but that could only fuel the fire, right?
Over the years Barcelona has managed to put together what some argue to be the best team in the history of the game. Will they be able to keep their hopes of raising yet another UEFA Champions League title alive tonight?
As if losing to Real Madrid wasn't bad enough on Saturday, Barcelona is now on a two game losing streak in all competitions. While Chelsea rested many of their players this weekend against Arsenal, Pep Guardiola also made some changes, but not many.
The defeat to Real Madrid should serve as a wake up call for the Barcelona squad. Many questions are being asked about the current Barcelona 'dynasty' and if it is finally coming to an end.
Can Messi put in another inspiring performance to book a trip to Munich?
Messi will need yet another great performance if he looks to get his men into the Champions League Finals in Munich next month. This weekends defeat will be an added motivational factor for Barcelona to silent their critics as they have done on a number of occasions over the years.
Judging by what we have seen over the years, Barcelona still has a very good chance of claiming silverware this season. A Champions League final is still very possible as well as a Copa del Rey title. The outcome to tonights match could dictate how things play out for the remainder of the season.
Could this be Guardiola's last chance at silverware as Barcelona manager?
Guardiola will set his sights on these two competitions now, considering that the La Liga title is very much out of reach. After what we have become accustomed to from Barcelona over time, elimination from the Champions League tonight would be a cruel and unjust way to end what has been an outstanding run. Although their has been controversy at times, Barcelona has been congratulated over the past years by opposing fans with standing ovations for their performances.
The level of confidence they play with on the field is something that can't be reproduced. I expect a Barcelona squad wanting to prove a point tonight and ready to silence their critics with an emphatic and convincing victory.
