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Barcelona host Real Madrid this evening looking to confirm their place in the Champions League final.
The hosts hold a 2-0 lead from the first-leg, with many believing that the tie is as good as over. Barcelona not only have a two goal advantage, but the away goals rule means that Madrid need at least three strikes to progress.
Pep Guardiola will not let his players go into the game with this attitude though and he will drum into them that the job is far from done. They are of course favourites, but anything can happen.
Madrid will be forced to go into the game with an attacking mindset too; they cannot afford to sit back at the Nou Camp. This is make or break time for them and they have to take the game to Barcelona.
This isn’t normally Jose Mourinho’s preferred approach in big games, but he can let his attacking players loose.
Cristiano Ronaldo must be used more affectively, chances must be taken and Mourinho must prove that his team can bounce back from the disappointing first-leg.
The first goal in big games like this is always important, but more so than ever in this one. Barcelona strike first and the tie is as good as over. Madrid take a shock lead and it is game on.
Even a team as composed and successful as Barcelona will feel the pressure if they concede first. That’s what Mourinho will be telling his players – draw first blood and it could be a very eventful night.
From a neutral’s perspective, it is hoped that tonight’s game is remembered for footballing issues. The first-leg was overshadowed by the ill-discipline of both sides and Mourinho’s sending-off.
For a game between two teams with such talent, this was a real shame. Tonight they could do with proving that they are two of the best sides in European football. Perhaps even Spanish football needs tonight’s clash to be a cracker.
Looking at the team news, Barcelona have defensive problems with Gabriel Milito and Martin Montoya ruled out. However, Andres Iniesta – who missed the game in Madrid – is back in contention.
The visitors will be without the suspended duo Pepe and Sergio Ramos. Manager Mourinho will also be forced to watch the game from the stands after his dismissal last week.
Overall, there is no doubt Barcelona are expected to progress this evening and have the last laugh over their fierce rivals in this fourth meeting in quick succession.
However, Mourinho is known to make things happen and if Madrid can get themselves ahead early on, this could be one of the most memorable Champions League semi-finals in many years.
