Barca pray for another miracle with semis in sight
BARCELONA: Little over a month after producing the greatest comeback in Champions League history, Barcelona need another special turnaround as they face Juventus in the second leg of their quarterfinal tonight.
Luis Enrique’s side were taken apart in the first leg in Turin, losing 3-0 to a Juve team inspired by Paulo Dybala, who scored twice.
In the last 16 they became the first team ever to overturn a 4-0 deficit when they beat Paris Saint-Germain 6-1 in the return at the Camp Nou, so fans are hoping for a similar “remuntada” this time.
“We are going to take as many risks as we need to the point that we could go out with eight strikers, as we have nothing to lose,” said Luis Enrique after Saturday’s 3-2 defeat of Real Sociedad.
The Barcelona coach also called for supporters “to have faith in these players who have won everything. This is a squad of champions.”
But he added: “The thing is that we are used to always eating beluga caviar. That can’t go on forever.”
Barca welcome back midfielder Sergio Busquets from suspension, while Juve are hopeful Dybala will be ready after he came off in the 2-0 weekend win at Pescara with a sprained ankle.
“We need to be optimistic,” declared coach Massimiliano Allegri.
Barcelona striker Neymar is confident the Catalans can launch another remarkable comeback.
The Spanish giants will be relying on Neymar to produce another magical performance if they are to reach the semi-finals.
The Brazilian scored Barcelona’s fourth and fifth goals in the last-16 second leg, setting up the sixth too, as they won 6-1 to progress 6-5 on aggregate.
If Barcelona are to do the impossible in the quarter-final as well, after losing 3-0 in Turin, they will need the winger to be at his electric best.
Neymar should be well rested after missing Barcelona’s 3-2 win over Real Sociedad on Saturday, the first of three matches he is suspended for in La Liga, including next Sunday’s Clasico.
Having been sent off in the team’s 2-0 defeat at Malaga and hit with a longer ban after sarcastically applauding the fourth official, he has a point to prove in the Champions League.
“We have to believe we can do it,” said Neymar.
“The other day my father told me one thing which has stayed in my head, and I think it’s true. In front of us we have a different team, but Barcelona is the same. And we can do it.
“We did it once and we can do it a second time. We have to give our absolute maximum. If everything goes well, there will be another comeback.
“I believe in the team and in our power. Everything is lost [already], so we have nothing to lose and everything to gain.”
Although Neymar will return for the clash, Barcelona are likely to be without Javier Mascherano, who did not train on Monday due to a calf injury, as well as longterm absentees Aleix Vidal and Rafinha.
Juventus defender Georgio Chiellini watched Neymar and co dismantle PSG in the previous round and is wary of the threat the Catalans pose.
“We need to be compact and show no fear. [Barcelona] are like sharks who scent blood and finish you off. We’ve got to keep them as far away from our goal as possible,” he said.
If former Barcelona defender Dani Alves can keep his friend and compatriot Neymar at bay like he did in the first leg, Juventus should be able to book their place in the semi-finals.