Barcelona, one of the huge favourites for the Champions League title, have scored 18 goals in their last four matches in all the competitions, and they will be keen to maintain that goal-scoring record against Borussia Monchengladbach on Wednesday. The Spanish club will have to do without the services of Lionel Messi, who will miss this Champions League tie due to groin injury.
On paper, Barcelona look a solid team, with an incredible number of world-class stars in their squad, including Neymar and Luis Suarez just to name a couple. There is no way Barcelona can even think of taking it easy against Borussia Monchengladbach, who have not lost at Borussia Park since January 26, which explains their strong performances at home.
The German club might not have a number of players like that of Suarez, who can score goals from nothing, but they do have some special players like Mahmoud Dahoud and Raffael. Borussia are a club, which loves to play a high-pressing game, and if Barcelona will not be able to cope with it, they are going to be in lot of trouble, and their manager Luis Enrique is also aware of the fact.
"Borussia are a difficult side and we will have to be well organised because they press very high up the pitch. They are dangerous without the ball and they know what to do when they have it," UEFA's official website quoted Enrique as saying.
"They have quick, quality players in attack, and they score a lot of goals even though they have also conceded a few. We have to counteract their strengths because if we don't, we'll struggle."
Barcelona enjoy playing possession-based football, and they do not need much invitation to score goals. With players like Iniesta and Ivan Rakitic, they have the habit of supplying precise balls from their forwards including Suarez and Neymar, who do not make much mistakes in slotting the ball home. Hence, the home team must be tight on their playmakers to cut out the supply lines as well.
This match is going to be an extra special for one of the former Borussia Monchengladbach player Marc-André ter Stegen, who currently represents Barcelona.
Borussia Monchengladbach, unfortunately, have found themselves in a tough group, which also includes Manchester City, who defeated the German team 4-0 in the last encounter. Another loss for Monchengladbach in the second match will be disastrous for the club.
The German club's manager Andre Schubert has mixed feeling with Messi missing out for Barcelona, while he is aware of the special club he is facing.
"We're preparing for this game like any other fixture, but I have to admit we'll be playing against a very special side. We've got mixed emotions about Messi's absence. We would have loved to play against him. We'll be up against a world-class team, but they'll be without the world's best player," Schubert said.
Where to watch live
Borussia Monchengladbach vs Barcelona Champions League match is scheduled for 8.45 pm CET (12.15 am IST, 7.45 pm BST, 2.45 pm ET) start. Live streaming and TV options can be found below.
India: TV: Ten 1. Live Streaming: Tensports live.
Spain: Movistar+
US: TV: Fox Sports 1. Live Streaming: Watch ESPN, Fox Soccer 2 Go.
UK: Tv: BT Sport Extra.
Italy: TV: Premium Calcio 2
Middle East, Canada, Australia: TV: Bein Sports. Live Streaming: Bein Sports Connect.
