Despite a 3-0 advantage over Liverpool, the job is only half done for Barcelona

Sooraj Kamath - Writer 15:17 02/05/2019
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  • A 3-0 win in the first leg and the liberty of resting players in the weekend game, having won the league already. It would be logical to suggest that Barcelona have the tie in the bag already and are on course to secure yet another European treble. But the job is far from over and Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde knows it.

    “It is a great result, but last year we also had an advantage of three goals and well, something happened to us,” the Catalan giants coach said.

    Credit when due, Valverde has learnt from his mistakes in Roma last season when Barcelona failed to protect a 4-1 first-leg advantage. He has been consistent and intelligent with his rotations. More importantly, Lionel Messi has been used sparingly and protected very well for the most important phase of the season. The Argentine is currently in his best physical and mental state and this is really crucial for the Catalan giants.

    While it looks that Barcelona have put the ghosts of Rome behind them and done well to prevent a similar debacle, they can’t rest now and let slip a great opportunity to seal a third treble.

    For most parts of the game – especially in the first half – Liverpool were clearly the superior team. Jurgen Klopp’s high press made it difficult for Barcelona to play out from the back.

    The front-line disappointed for the visitors but Klopp’s plan worked well and the score-line is a bit harsh on them. Liverpool can return home knowing they did their best, but they have an uphill task in the second leg.

    Barcelona’s away record in the knockout stages of the Champions League is poor and the result at Old Trafford earlier this season is merely an anomaly. It’s the away leg that has prevented them from progressing beyond the quarterfinal stage ever since they won it in 2015. Although, the Spanish giants did well to break the curse this season, they need to be wary of this Liverpool side which has the potential to cause an upset.

    Arturo Vidal started in midfield to add more control and allow Sergio Busquets the liberty to roam and fledge his creative wings. It would be logical to assume that Valverde will opt for the same midfield in the second leg.

    Philippe Coutinho started ahead of Ousmane Dembele as Valverde preferred legs in midfield rather than explosive fire-power in the front-line. But the Brazilian offered little on both fronts and failed to justify Valverde’s selection.

    Keeping Dembele on the bench was one of the mistakes that allowed Roma to progress into the semi-final last season. Valverde must think twice before repeating it. An early away goal could kill the tie and the threat Dembele poses in a situation like this is immense.

    Barcelona have managed to hold it together and win games in which they have been second best. The night at Anfield next week could prove to be one of similar nature. Liverpool’s gegenpressing and the electric crowd at Anfield can push the Catalans to the brink.

    Valverde’s men are almost there, but the next step could probably be the biggest one as they look to finish off the season on a high.

    Barcelona should have won more Champions League titles in the Messi era and can’t afford to let slip an opportunity to add one more to the tally. It won’t be easy, especially with Firmino reaching full-fitness and possibly starting the game. But Barcelona have Messi.

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