Barcelona - Schalke

This is the most important match in the season for both clubs. After not impressive results in Primera, Barcelona has only opportunity in Champions Legaue to catch trophy, while visitors are out of title race in Bundesliga, but another success in Champions League will satisfy supporters’ ambitions.

Barcelona failed to beat Getafe in last round of Primera and supporters became very nervous, due to the fact that Blaguarana didn’t make closer gap to Real Madrid, who drew at Majorca. Frank Rijakaard’s team have had possession, but failed to convert a couple very good opportunities to lead. Lack of attacking options made Rijkaard’s tactics predictable and some of Primera clubs find way how to play against Barcelona. Hetafe played with nine players behind the ball, so Catalonian team couldn’t find any crack in visitor’s defence without Ronladihno, Messi and Deco.

In this occasion situation is much different. Barclona could play without pressure thanks to first leg Bojan’s goal. They don’t need to score to qualify. Visitors have to try with offensive tactics - consequently Barclona strikers will have more space in attack. The late form of Bojan and Giovani are the main supporters’ hope. They could wake up and inspire rest of the team, alongside Iniesta and Xavi whose going to be a crucial part of the machinery in mid-field.

On the other hand visitors have a reason to be unhappy after the first leg. They were better team in anyway, but lack of concentration in front Valdes’ goal is reason why they didn’t make better result. However, they showed that they have quality to play equal with Barcelona stars, so with enough confidence they could make problems to Rijaakard’s team. Coach Mirko Slomka won’t leave his favorite 4-3-3 formation, so Kuranyi, Asamoa and Altintop will be a main treats for Valedes. The most experienced among them, Kevin Kuranyi, was rested in last round of Bundesliga against Hanza, where his team won another three points. His experience and motivation in big games could pull up Schalke in performance for qualification in the next round. Anyway, it will be hard for visitors to overpower Barcelona in mid-field, where this match will be decided.

I believe that visitors will try to make pressure after the first part of the match. This is their first appearance at Camp Nou, so they have to accomplish to atmosphere in the first couple of minutes or they will be in problems. Due to the fact that Barcelona could sit back and wait enough space in attack for their fast strikers, I think that domestic team will have large chance to score. Bojan, Henry and Giovani will use their speed in counters and I think that Barcelona could beat -1 asian handicap and come back on winning ways easily. They won’t satisfy with minimal victory due to a lot of critics in last couple of days, so they will play with full gas till the last whistle. I will take Barca to beat -1 asian handicap at 1.80 with Bet365.com, stake 9!