Carlos Tevez: Barcelona Will Have No Excuses

Manchester United striker Carlos Tevez has called upon his teammates to be "smart" in their Champions league semifinal encounter with European giants Barcelona, and especially their explosive young winger Lionel Messi.

The semifinal first leg has been described as a 'mini-final' by many football fans, and it promises to be an exciting matchup between two of the world's greatest attacking teams.

But Argentinian Tevez, who describes fellow countryman Messi as 'from another planet', believes that if United can overcome the Catalan giants and their talisman, then Barcelona will have no excuses.

"Let him play" added Tevez "If we beat them with Messi, there will be no excuse."

Both teams enter the semifinal unbeaten in the competition; however, Barcelona are struggling on the domestic front, and Sir Alex Ferguson will no doubt take comfort in the fact that, while Barcelona boast an impressive attack, their defence is suspect, and even more now that Carlos Puyol is suspended.

Messi, recently returning from injury, will no doubt relish the chance to run at pace at the United defence and test full backs Patrice Evra and Wes Brown. Tevez added, "He's got amazing acceleration, he's a marvellous player."

Cristiano Ronaldo, a player in the same mould, will be sure to try and provide more evidence that he is arguably the best player in the world at this moment in time.

United fans though, will no doubt agree with Tevez's comments about the small Argentinian. The Barcelona ace has a knack of turning up for big games and providing match-winning performances.

It promises to be an exciting, heart-in-mouth matchup.

My Prediction:

1st Leg: Barcelona 1-1 Manchester United

2nd Leg: Manchester United 3-1