Lionel Messi scored two goals as the Catalans took a handsome three-goal advantage and left the English side with a humongous task if they have to qualify for the finals. Liverpool will now host Barcelona in the second leg of the semi-finals of the Champions League on Wednesday as they battle it out for a berth in the finals. It is going to be a match to be remembered for a long time. The Catalan Giants will be desperate to go into the final of the biggest event in European football after missing out last three seasons.
The Story Of The Liverpool Versus Barcelona Tie So Far
Barcelona was the winner of the Champions League in 2015 after beating Juventus in the final. After that, they were unable to make it to the final of this competition. So, this time the Catalan giants are desperate to go through to the final of this competition. Barcelona had already won the La Liga title a few days ago with a 1-0 victory over Levante.
The Catalan Giants are now 9 points clear of the second-placed Atletico Madrid side in La Liga and henceforth they have won the title with 3 matches left. Now, with a three-goal advantage over Liverpool, it looks as though Barcelona have already taken a big step towards the final with a brace from Lionel Messi and a goal from Luis Suarez ensured that Barcelona’s hopes of a sixth Champions League title are still alive.
On the other hand, Liverpool is also having a great season. However, they are still 1 point behind league leaders Manchester City in the Premier League. There are only two matches left for Liverpool in the Premier League. It can be said that the Premier League title win is not in the hands of the Reds anymore. Though any slip from Manchester City in a crunch situation will certainly take them to an advantageous position in the League Table. However, the Champions League is still in their own hands. Jurgen Klopp and Co will not wish to let their fans down once again. The previous season, Liverpool went to the final of the Champions League. However, they were defeated by Real Madrid in the final match.
Jurgen Klopp will not wish to repeat the same thing yet again. That’s why he will be desperate to win the trophy this season.
Team News:
Barcelona:
The Catalan Giants do not have many injury concerns ahead of their match against Liverpool. The manager of Barcelona, Valverde, decided to give the rest to Lionel Messi in the previous match of La Liga and he also rested Sergio Busquets in the same match. Both of them will certainly feature against Liverpool on Wednesday. The manager will have to think about who he will start between Ousmane Dembele and Philippe Coutinho. Ousmane Dembele might just get the nod ahead of Coutinho in this match.
Liverpool:
Roberto Firmino missed the match against Huddersfield Town in the Premier League with a groin injury. However, he might just be fit to start against Barcelona on Wednesday night. Kieta might also be an injury concern for the Reds. However, Jurgen Klopp will certainly wish for his midfielder to take place in the middle of the field on Wednesday. James Milner is also back in contention for selection. Joel Matip and Joe Gomez are also back from injuries.
Note: As Per Stats Taken This Week
Predicted Starting XI; Liverpool vs Barcelona:
Barcelona : (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper : Ter Stegen
Defenders : Roberto, Pique, Lenglet, Alba.
Midfielders : Rakitic, Busquets, Arthur
Attackers : Messi, Suarez, Dembele
https://twitter.com/360Sources/status/1123844572730118144
Liverpool : (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper : Alisson
Defenders: Alexander Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson.
Midfielders: Henderson, Wijnaldum, Fabinho.
Attackers: Salah, Firmino, Mane.
My Predicted Scoreline:
Final Score: Barcelona 4-1 Liverpool (Aggregate)
Second Leg Score: Liverpool 1-1 Barcelona
