Barcelona vs Bayer Leverkusen Game Time: 3 Reasons You Can't Miss Epic Rematch

Barcelona is on high alert for the second leg of its Champions League matchup with Bayer Leverkusen (2:45 p.m. ET, Fox Soccer Channel) after watching AC Milan nearly blow a 4-0 aggregate lead in yesterday's match against Arsenal.

Barca leads 3-1 heading into the Round of 16 rematch. So let's examine three reasons you can't miss today's epic clash.

Potential Comeback

Even though Bayer Leverkusen enters the fixture as a heavy underdog, the Gunners illustrated that no lead is insurmountable if you play at a high level. Arsenal was never able to secure the tying goal, but still gave some hope to the Werkself.

The German side will be calling on in-form striker Stefan Kießling to generate plenty of scoring chances early. Teams in the lead like Barcelona is tend to take a more conservative approach to maintain that edge, but it often leads to a lot of possession for the opponent.

It's a long shot for sure, but not impossible. If Bayer Leverkusen can generate some momentum in the first 15 minutes, anything is possible.

Lionel Messi

Any time Messi steps onto the pitch, you should watch. He's truly a generational talent, as evidenced by his three consecutive FIFA Ballon d'Or trophies. There won't be another player as talented as him to come through the sport for at least another decade.

The 24-year-old Argentine has 45 goals in 47 games across all competitions, including international duty, during the current campaign. Equally impressive is his career-high assist total of 19 with plenty of games left to play.

Messi can create magic with his feet any time he touches the ball, so he's well worth tuning in to see regardless of the result.

Both Teams Are On Fire

Barcelona has won four straight games by a combined score of 13-4. After hitting a midseason rough patch, Barca has come back strong and has its sights set on another Champions League title since it appears La Liga is slipping out of its grasp.

Not to be outdone, Bayer Leverkusen has won all three of its games since losing to the Blaugrana last month. That includes an impressive 2-0 triumph over Bayern Munich on Saturday, which should give the Werkself plenty of momentum.

When two teams of this caliber are both playing so well, the result is usually a tremendous match with a high level of play throughout. Today's game should be no different.