Although the shock 5-1 aggregate win for Athletic Bilbao dashed Barcelona’s hopes of winning the sextuple, that will not deter the Blaugrana from aiming to add to this year’s silverware, as they embark on the 2015 FIFA Club World Cup.
The Catalan giants, having won last season’s Champions League, will enter the competition from the semi-final stage, and will lock horns with Chinese giants Guangzhou Evergrande.
Led by former Brazil coach Luis Felipe Scolari, Robinho and Co. booked their ticket in the last 4 thanks to a 2-1 comeback win over Mexican side America, but face a far more daunting opponent in the form of Luis Enrique’s boys.
River Plate await the winners of Thursday’s encounter, with Guangzhou Evergrande the only obstacle between Barcelona and their fourth final in 9 years. Will Messi and Co. overcome their Asian opponents?
RECENT FORM
Ahead of the clash on Thursday, both sides enter the semi-final encounter, being held in Stadium Yokohama, leading their respective leagues.
Leo curves in a beauty goal during training
Messi being Messi during training in Japan #FIFACWC2015 pic.twitter.com/TYbToc9KiD
— MESSISTATS (@MessiStats) December 15, 2015
The Blaugrana sit ahead of rivals Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, whilst claiming top spot in their Champions League group, setting up a round of 16 match with Arsenal.
However, they Camp Nou side are without a win in their last 3 games in all competitions, drawing 1-1 twice and 2-2 in their most recent fixture.
Guangzhou, on the other hand, have drawn twice in their last 6 matches, both 0-0 draws away to Gamba Osaka and Al Ahli from the U.A.E..
BARCA VS CHINESE SIDES
The two-time treble winners have never before face a Chinese side in a competitive game, though there have been six friendlies, one of which was a Camp Nou affaird with the national side.
All ended in favor of the Spanish giants, scoring 28 and conceding none.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
No game involving Barcelona is complete without four-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi taking stage, and Thursday's clash is no exception.
The Argentine has scored 5 goals since making his return from injury in El Clasico on November, taking his tally in 2015 with his club to 46 strikes.
Messi has scored 50 goals in the year 2015 #fcblive 46 with Barcelona, and 4 with ARG [via @barcastat]
— barcastuff (@barcastuff) December 16, 2015
The 28-year-old will be partnered in the final three by Uruguayan ace Luis Suarez, who has 18 goals to his name this season in all competitions.
Barcelona's back four are not facing a roll in the park, however, with Guangzhou boasting the likes of Robinho and Paulinho in their ranks.
Which channel is broadcasting Barcelona vs Guangzhou Evergrande on TV or Online?
Are you able to attend the Yokohama Stadium to watch the match live? If so, all the props to you. If not, no need to feel sad, because Live Soccer TV has got you covered with all the live stream and TV listings info you need. Here are some options for fans residing in the following countries:
In the USA at 05:30 EST on: Fox Soccer 2GO USA, Fox Deportes, Fox Sports 1 USA, Fox Sports GO
In Canada at 05:30 EST on: Sportsnet World Now, Sportsnet World
In Spain at 11:30 CET on: Cuatro, Energy
In China at 18:30 on: Guangdong Sports Channel, CCTV-5, PPTV Sport China, G-Sports Channel
In Japan at 19:30 on: NTV
*Note: Live broadcast data is subject to change*
KEY STATS
- On Thursday, Luis Enrique will be without leading scorer Neymar, who is out with a groin injury. The Brazilian has 14 goals in La Liga.
- Messi has scored 31 goals and dished out 13 assists in 41 games in the month of December, from 2004 up until now.
- Guangzhou are unbeaten in their last 25 games.
Match details, result and original broadcast info
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
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