Barcelona vs. Apoel: Key Issues That Will Shape Champions League Game

Barcelona is set to kick off their Champions League campaign this season when the host group-stage rivals Apoel on Wednesday. The Cypriot champions will be making the trip to the Camp Nou and fans are in for a thriller.

Apoel have been in great form since the season began and they will be looking to do the unthinkable at the Camp Nou. However, the Catalans are also playing well and have yet to concede a goal since the new campaign kicked off.

While this match looks to be easily decided at first glance, it will not be an easy one for La Blaugrana. Apoel have already been a Cinderella story once before and they will surely want to play their very best on Wednesday.

In this article we will take a look at a few issues going into this match and discuss how the Camp Nou clash could unfold.

As always, feel free to get involved in the discussion in the comment section below and let us know how you think the Champions League match will play out.

Apoel's Dangerous Attack vs. the Revamped Barcelona Defense

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Without a doubt the Cypriot champions have been menacing this season at the offensive end of the pitch. Players like Gustavo Manduca and Cillian Sheridan have been a nightmare for opponents and they will attempt to keep that going on Wednesday.

Though they might not be at the same level as European giants, Apoel’s attack is dangerous nonetheless. However, Barcelona’s defense has been improving under new manager Luis Enrique and should be able to stand up to the test.

New signing Jeremy Mathieu is already fitting in quite nicely in the Blaugrana back line and could get the start yet again. Javier Mascherano and Gerard Pique are both in the discussion for a starting role, but there is no way of knowing at this point.

Regardless, Barcelona’s defense will need to be focused. They have yet to concede a single goal this season and Enrique’s new tactics have a lot to do with that.

If Apoel want to make it out of the group stages, they will need to pick up points in every match. The Cypriots have to score at the Camp Nou, but that definitely won’t be easy.

Lionel Messi and Neymar vs. Apoel's Experienced Squad

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Despite being a significant step below the likes of Barcelona, Apoel do have a few positives going into the match; namely that the squad is very experienced.

Experience can often be the difference in big matches, and that could be the case Wednesday. With many players having been in the game for quite a while, and others leftover from Apoel’s last Champions League run, the Cypriots won’t be afraid of their Catalan hosts.

Viewers can expect Apoel to be driven and organized, but that may not be enough. Lionel Messi and Neymar will be Barcelona’s keys to breaking through the experienced side and finding the back of the net.

With the likes of Messi leading the charge, Barcelona should be able to handle their visitors from Cyprus. Experience can be found on both squads but quality will be the deciding factor.

Two Managers Untested in European Play

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As Apoel manager Giorgos Donis leads his side into battle against Luis Enrique’s Barcelona on Wednesday, it will be the first time these two have coached in a major European tournament.

Luis Enrique enjoyed a wonderful playing career and has experience in European competition. However, he is still untested at such a high level in his managerial career.

At the same time, this is the first season at Apoel for Donis, who will be looking to show that he belongs among Europe’s elite. So far he has looked capable of handling the job at the Cypriot club, but can he stand in the Champions League?

Whether you believe it or not, experience at the managerial level has a lot to do with a club finding success. With both of these bosses being untested in the Champions League, Wednesday’s game should be an interesting one to take in.

Enrique does have playing experience in Europe and the stronger squad, which plays into Barcelona’s hand. Is Donis up to the challenge?

Apoel's Problematic History on the Road vs. the Daunting Camp Nou

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When Wednesday arrives, Apoel will find themselves walking out of the tunnel and into the Camp Nou, one of the most daunting stadiums in all of football. It is always a difficult task to win in Catalonia, which doesn’t bode well for the Cypriots.

Apoel have made six trips to Spain during their existence, but they have yet to a win a game. The Cypriots have drawn once in Spain and lost the other five matches, thus playing on the road will not be easy for the visitors.

The Camp Nou is a daunting venue and a fortress for the Catalan giants. No one is expecting Apoel to be able to pull off a victory but getting a result is not outside the realm of possibility.

However, if history tells us anything, it is that Wednesday will not be Apoel’s night. 

Can Apoel do the unthinkable? Will Luis Enrique kick off his European managerial career with a massive win? Leave your thoughts and comments below!