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Barcelona take on Juventus in a blockbuster UEFA Champions League Group G clash on Tuesday night. Both the European heavyweights have already qualified to the knockout stages but the top spot is still to be decided. The much awaited Lionel Messi - Cristiano Ronaldo clash could finally come to fruition and fans will be waiting with bated breath to see how the two amazing footballers fare against each other.
Both Barcelona and Juventus have had shaky starts to their league campaigns. While the Catalans have really struggled in the league and are just 3 points above the relegation zone, Juventus, on the other hand, have struggled to show their usual dominance in the Serie A. The Old Lady have relied heavily on the likes of Alvaro Morata and Cristiano Ronaldo to pull them through.
With that being said, Barcelona have an impeccable record in the Champions League and will be hopeful of securing the top spot in Group G with a strong performance at the Camp Nou. Without much ado, let us take a look at:
Barcelona vs Juventus: 5 Key Battles
#5 Jordi Alba vs Juan Cuadrado
Both Barcelona and Juventus rely a lot on their flying full-backs and the battle between Jordi Alba and Juan Cuadrado might well decide the outcome of the match.
Both Alba and Cuadrado like to bomb forward and are vital to the attacking styles of their respective teams. While they will definitely be a threat in the final third, the defensive performances of the duo will decide the outcome of this particular battle.
Alba, one of the senior players of Barcelona, will be expected to step up and make a huge impact. However, he will be wary of Cuadrado, who is more than capable of holding his own.
The two attacking minded full-backs will be going full throttle at each other and it will be interesting to see who comes out on top.
#4 Frenkie de Jong vs Adrien Rabiot
Frenkie de Jong and Adrien Rabiot will both look to control the ball and win the midfield battle for their respective sides. One of Juventus' better players this season, Adrien Rabiot's ball carrying skills and his ability to read play and break up attacks has served Juventus well this season.
One of the first names on the teamsheet, the French midfielder has really started to thrive under Andrea Pirlo. Frenkie de Jong, on the other hand, is arguably Ronald Koeman's most important player. Vital to the style of play the Dutch manager wants to implement at Barca, De Jong's passing skills and positioning will be put to the test by the combative Rabiot.
Barcelona vs Juventus could be decided on the fact as to who wins the midfield battle and both Frenkie de Jong and Adrien Rabiot will be determined to put their best foot forward on Tuesday night.
#3 Alvaro Morata vs Clement Lenglet
Alvaro Morata has made a brilliant start to his Juventus career and he will be looking to continue his good form when he comes up against the Barcelona defence led by Clement Lenglet on Tuesday night.
The former Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid striker has been in lethal form and is currently the joint top scorer in the Champions League with 6 goals in 5 appearances.
Clement Lenglet, on the other hand, has not been at his best. The French center-back really struggled against Cadiz and will have to put in a much improved performance to keep the Spaniard in check.
#2 Antoine Griezmann vs Matthijs de Ligt
Much has been made about Antoine Griezmann's impact and form in a Barcelona jersey, but in the last few matches, the talented Frenchman has slowly started to show his class.
The Barcelona forward's relentless energy and intelligent movement will keep the Juventus' backline on its toes and young Matthijs de Ligt will have his hands full to keep the temperamental Frenchman in check.
Matthijs de Ligt himself has slowly started to find his way back to the Juventus team after a long injury layoff and will be itching to make a good impression at Camp Nou under his former national coach, Ronald Koeman.
Skilled on the ball and brilliant in the air, De Ligt will be hoping to strangle Barcelona's attacking play and shackle Antoine Griezmann to give Juventus the edge on Tuesday night.
#1 Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi
Was there any doubt as to which would be the #1 battle on this list? The matchup which all football fans have been waiting for with bated breath, Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi promises to be the main talking point of this blockbuster clash.
The Portuguese superstar has started the season in fine form for Juventus and will be eager to continue this against his great rival Lionel Messi. With 10 goals in just 9 appearances so far for Juventus, Cristiano Ronaldo is showing no signs of slowing down.
Lionel Messi, on the other hand, has not been at his brilliant best. The Barcelona maestro has failed to have his usual decisive impact on games. However, a clash against his eternal rival might just inspire him to create some magic at Camp Nou on Tuesday night.
Barcelona vs Juventus, Ronald Koeman vs Andrea Pirlo. Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo. With both teams going hard for the win, it promises to be a blockbuster UEFA Champions League clash.
