Ace Football previews the Champions League match between FC Barcelona and Juventus, and offers betting tips, odds, line-ups, and team news.
It’s Messi vs Ronaldo at Camp Nou as Barcelona and Juventus prepare to square off to determine the winner of Group G in the Champions League.
The stage is set for a thrilling night as the only two footballers to score over 100 Champions League goals in history meet. It’s their first showdown since May 2018. And in what could be the last one of their epic rivalry, only a victory will do for either of them.
Barcelona, meanwhile, hold a three-point cushion over Juventus in Group G, meaning the visitors have some heavy work. They also lost the reverse fixture 2-0 in Turin. Only a three-goal victory at Camp Nou, or at least by a better two-goal margin, will be enough to top the group.
But considering the Blaugrana’s mixed form this season, along with Ronaldo’s proven ability on the big stage, and the fact it’s 2020 after all, the impossible may be feasible depending on well Juve begin.
FC Barcelona Form & Stats
Ronald Koeman’s side have been excellent in the Champions League, winning all five games with 16 goals scored and just two conceded. Passage into the last-16 is already secured for them and winning Group G is all that’s left.
An impressive 3-0 win away to Ferencvaros, using an under-strength side, last week kept Barcelona’s 100% record intact.
But while their European form has been solid so far, things on the domestic front have declined. Barcelona lost the fourth game of their LaLiga campaign last Saturday 2-1 to Cadiz. They’re now 12 points behind leaders Atletico Madrid, with both sides having played 10 games each.
It’s left Koeman in the firing line and, with the club presidential elections looming, he needs some strong results if he is to convince the new president to keep him as manager. Losing stars such as Ousmane Dembele, Sergi Roberto, Ansu Fati, and Gerard Pique to injuries hasn’t helped him.
It’s worth noting, though, that Barcelona are unbeaten in their last 38 Champions League home games. They also haven’t conceded a goal in their last four meetings with Juventus and have been slamming home the goals.
Key Team Stats
- Won all five of their Champions League games this season.
- Unbeaten in their last 38 Champions League home games.
- Have scored a first-half goal in each of their last nine home games in all competitions.
- A red card in two of their last five Champions League games.
- Haven’t conceded a goal in their last four meetings with Juventus.
- Three or more goals scored in their last five home games in all competitions.
- Lionel Messi has managed three goals and two assists in five Champions League games against Juventus.
Juventus Form & Stats
The pressure, like on Koeman, is on for Andrea Pirlo. The rookie coach has had more time to blend in his tactics since that 2-0 loss to Barcelona in October and hopes it will pay off in what is the biggest test of his young coaching career so far.
Despite the home defeat to Barca, Juventus have still collected a solid haul of four wins from five games. A 3-0 win over Dynamo Kyiv last week, meanwhile, secured their last-16 spot.
But the two-time Champions League winners have found their dominance in Italian football under threat this season. They’ve only won half of their 10 games (D5) to leave them six points behind Serie A leaders AC Milan in fourth. Had it not been for Leonardo Bonucci’s late winner in last weekend’s Turin derby, they would’ve dropped points for a sixth time already.
Although Ronaldo has traveled with the squad to Camp Nou after missing the first meeting. The Portuguese ace has been in sublime form this season, scoring 10 goals in nine games across all competitions.
Alvaro Morata will also be available for selection after serving a suspension in the 2-1 win over Torino. It’s worth noting the Spaniard had three goals ruled out for offside against Barcelona last time out and has been brilliant in the Champions League, with six goals in just five games.
Another noteworthy fact is that Juventus are undefeated in their seven away games this season (W3 D4) and are on an eight-match unbeaten run (W5 D3) in all competitions.
Key Team Stats
- Won four of their five Champions League games this season (L1).
- Unbeaten in their last seven away games in all competitions (W3 D4).
- Unbeaten in their last eight games in all competitions (W5 D3).
- Scored the first goal in their last five away games in all competitions.
- Alvaro Morata has scored six Champions League goals in only five games this season.
- Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 10 goals in only nine games across all competitions this season.
Team News
FC Barcelona
Out: Gerard Pique, Ansu Fati, Sergi Roberto, Ousmane Dembele.
Doubt/s: Samuel Umtiti.
Juventus
Out: Giorgio Chiellini, Gianluigi Buffon, Merih Demiral.
Doubt/s: N/A.
Predicted Line-ups
(Note: The image will change to the official XI once they’re both announced)
Top Goalscorers in Recent Games
Head-To-Head Record
Below are some head-to-head stats on each team’s recent form in the Champions League.
Match Facts
Betting Tips
More Odds
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