Barcelona starts their Champions League defense in unarguably the most mouthwatering opening day match against Inter Milan at the San Siro.
Not only is this a battle between two European giants, it is also a game where many players will be playing against their former clubs.
Barcelona does not have an easy task on their hands. Inter, for all their domestic successes, have not made strides in Europe in the recent years.
However, the Nerazzuri might feel that, with the additions they have made to the squad this season, they have the best chance in a long time to finally provide a serious challenge in the Champions League.
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Form Guide: Barcelona has made a very positive start to the new season. In two league games, they have scored five goals and conceded none. Zlatan Ibrahimovic has netted in both the games, and his link up play with Lionel Messi was evident against Getafe.
Sept. 12 v Getafe (A) – WON 2-0 (La Liga)
Aug. 31 v Sporting Gijon (H) – WON 3-0 (La Liga)
Aug. 28 v Shakhtar Donetsk (A) – WON 1-0 (UEFA Super Cup)
Aug. 23 v Athletic Bilbao (H) – WON 3-0 (Super Copa)
Aug. 19 v Manchester City (H) – LOST 1-0 (Friendly)
As we can see, in the past five games, Barcelona has lost just once—when they had played their reserves in the Gamper Cup against Manchester City. They have won the remaining four games in comfortable fashion without key players like Messi and Andres Iniesta.
The team will also be high on confidence with the fact that they have won two trophies already.
Probable Line-up: Valdes—Alves, Pique, Puyol, Abidal—Xavi, Toure, Iniesta—Messi, Ibrahimovic, Henry
Rafael Marquez has been included in the squad after his long injury layoff. However, it is highly unlikely that he would start, given the stature of the opponents and the importance Josep Guardiola lays on physical fitness. Dmitryo Chigrinskiy is ineligible to play in the Champions League this season.
Players to Watch
Zlatan Ibrahimovic—Ibra will be keen to prove that Barcelona got the better part of the swap deal sending him and Eto'o in opposite directions.
The reception from the Inter fans is something he will have to take in stride, as he strives to live up to his 46 million euro transfer fee. A goal against his former employers would provide him with a confidence boost, and also serve as a deterrent for the people who call him a big-game flop.
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