Barcelona’s sloppy form lately has left them struggling in all remaining competitions, and against Stuttgart, their condition is evident.
A loss will directly eliminate them from the Champions League, while a draw – containing more than a goal each for both sides – will not be enough either to keep them in the competition.
FC Barcelona – Do or Die
The European title holders were held to a 1-1 draw by Stuttgart away to the Mercedes-Benz Arena stadium.
Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic got a second-half equalizer for Barcelona after Cacau had taken the lead for the hosts.
Barca had several chances in the game to grab a comfortable win, but a ghastly performance denied them a victory.
On one hand, Barcelona can feel content with the away goal they managed to obtain, but on the other hand – in view of the great goal margin which could have granted them a significant advantage for this return leg encounter – they now have to forget about everything and concentrate on snatching a triumph against Stuttgart at the Camp Nou.
For sure, the Blaugrana cannot afford to get a negative result this Wednesday, as it would mean the end of their dreams of retaining the Champions League title.
Absolutely every part of their qualities and abilities will need to be put into action, if ever they overcome their tough challenge.
They certainly have no option in front of them at the moment, for all is left is nothing but the obligation to succeed no matter what at home against Stuttgart.
Possibly, all and sundry will be watching this thrilling game, but does Barcelona have the means to make things happen instead of letting them happen?
The forces
Lionel Messi: The FIFA Player of the Year was the scorer of 3 goals at the weekend against a well-beaten Valencia side as Barcelona emerged as 3-0 winners at the Camp Nou. Messi is expected to start the match against Stuttgart in the Champions League, and his presence could eventually mean a lot to the Barca squad who will be looking to fight with pace, power, and effectiveness.Victor
Victor Valdes: Despite the number of goals which have been worrying Barcelona in recent weeks, the keeper Valdes has shown great quality at his post, and his sharp moves somehow saved the Catalans from going down 2-0 at the Mercedes Benz stadium in the first half. Valdes made a clean sheet at the weekend for Barcelona, so there is much to anticipate ahead of his clash against Stuttgart.
As for the other players – regardless of their positions of the field – they have all proved to be less effectual lately.
Off-target strikes from Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thierry Henry, inaccurate passes from Iniesta and Xavi, as well as careless clearances from Carles Puyol have all led to the instability of the club recently.
Instinct is probably coach Guardiola’s top helper when it comes to selecting his starting line-up, thus, knowing who will be the first-eleven players and who will be the bench players remains impossible; although one might have an idea about it.
Stuttgart – Up to the task?
VfB Stuttgart caused Barcelona an upset when both teams met at the Mercedes-Benz Arena stadium on February 23.
Though Barca always seemed as the favorites to take the lead, Stuttgart stood their ground, and not only were they able to break their visitors’ tight defense, but also were they strong enough to resist their opponents’ army to settle for a 1-1 draw.
Now, the Germans will travel to the Estadio Camp Nou with the intention to knock over Spanish giants once again.
Conceding goals at home in a Champions League first-leg match has always been considered as a huge mistake by home teams, and Stuttgart are very much related to this fact.
Playing at the Camp Nou in front of several thousands of intimidating home fans is a real challenge for almost every football player outside the Barcelona football club.
This reduces Stuttgart’s chances of humbling their challengers in Spain, but strangely, they could rely on their recent statistics to face last year’s Champions League winners with self-confidence.
Fresh statistics show that the Bundesliga side has not lost an away encounter since December 2009; therefore, one could look ahead to a draw on Wednesday evening. However, as we all know, a draw would indicate either extra time, or the disqualification of the Spanish champions.
Cacau
The German striker could end up being the “hero” of Stuttgart if ever he completes the history he has already started against Barcelona. Cacau scored the Germans’ only goal against the team arguably regarded as the best in the world, and beating the Barcelona defense again on Wednesday would enable Stuttgart to feel more relaxed in the match.
Barcelona vs Stuttgart – A few facts from the past
A few members from the two football clubs Barcelona and Stuttgart might have some things in common, and this is mainly due to previous meetings over the years.
Aliaksandr Hleb vs Barcelona
The former Arsenal attacking midfielder was included in the Gunners’ team that lost 2-1 to FC Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League final back in May 17, 2006.
On that day, Hleb became the first Belarusian ever to play in a European Cup final. Now, almost four years later, in a different club, Hleb is back against Barca, and he will try everything in his power to push VfB Stuttgart to victory this time around.
Jens Lehmann vs Barcelona
Along with Aliaksandr Hleb, German goalkeeper Jens Lehmann also played for Arsenal against Barcelona in the 2006 UEFA Champions League final.
Sadly, he was sent off after only 18 minutes into the game for bringing down Samuel Eto’o inside the penalty area; but notwithstanding the Gunners’ loss after 90 minutes of proceedings, he was named the Champions League Goalkeeper of the Year for the 2005–06 season.
On the subject of history, Lehmann could make his “revenge” against Barcelona on Wednesday in his crunch match at the Camp Nou.
