The Camp Nou welcomes the surprise package of the Champions League, Shakhtar Donetsk (20.45, R@dio Barça), for one of the biggest games of the season. Pedro and Maxwell are in the side that will want a big win and also to avoid conceding any goals.
April is a massive month. The league title will be as good as decided this month, and there is also the Copa del Rey final, the Champions League quarter final and a possible semi final. It has got off to the perfect start with a 0-1 win away to third placed Villarreal to stretch their lead in the domestic championship to eight points, but now it’s back to the road to Wembley and a tricky game with Shakhtar Donetsk after beating Arsenal in the previous round.
Awkward match
Barça have always struggled against the Ukrainian outfit, who have raised many an eyebrow this season. They were one of the highest scoring teams in the group stage and were the only team to win home and away in the second round. “They are a great side”, said Guardiola on Tuesday. Against Barça in recent encounters, they have proven solid at the back, and have some dangerous Brazilian strikers up front, and a wily tactician on the bench in Mircea Lucescu, who has managed the Ukrainians for seven years. It won’t be easy.
Changes in FCB team
FC Barcelona’s side includes some changes. Guardiola has regained the injured Maxwell and Pedro , and also Xavi, who was suspended against Villarreal, meaning he has an almost full strength side to take on Shakhtar. Only Iniesta would miss the second leg if he was booked.
Shakhtar had more time
The sides have prepared in very different ways for this encounter. While Barça are involved in the most crucial stage of the league season, with three tournaments to play for, Shakhtar and ex FCB man Dmytro Chyigrinski have the Ukrainian Premier League as good as sewn up with a 12 point lead on second placed Dynamo Kiev, with 7 games to go. They have been able to give this match their full attention, which is the first time they have ever featured in the last eight of this competition.
Awkward match
Barça have always struggled against the Ukrainian outfit, who have raised many an eyebrow this season. They were one of the highest scoring teams in the group stage and were the only team to win home and away in the second round. “They are a great side”, said Guardiola on Tuesday. Against Barça in recent encounters, they have proven solid at the back, and have some dangerous Brazilian strikers up front, and a wily tactician on the bench in Mircea Lucescu, who has managed the Ukrainians for seven years. It won’t be easy.
Changes in FCB team
FC Barcelona’s side includes some changes. Guardiola has regained the injured Maxwell and Pedro , and also Xavi, who was suspended against Villarreal, meaning he has an almost full strength side to take on Shakhtar. Only Iniesta would miss the second leg if he was booked.
Shakhtar had more time
The sides have prepared in very different ways for this encounter. While Barça are involved in the most crucial stage of the league season, with three tournaments to play for, Shakhtar and ex FCB man Dmytro Chyigrinski have the Ukrainian Premier League as good as sewn up with a 12 point lead on second placed Dynamo Kiev, with 7 games to go. They have been able to give this match their full attention, which is the first time they have ever featured in the last eight of this competition.
sources : fcbarcellona.cat
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