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Following a heart-rending defeat at the hands of Real Madrid in the Champions League final last season, Liverpool will take on Los Blancos' eternal rivals, FC Barcelona, in their bid to secure a place in this season's final at the Wanda Metropolitano.
A shoulder injury sustained by Mohamed Salah early in the game followed by a horrific goalkeeping display from Loris Karius saw the Reds losing the final with a 3-1 margin. Karim Benzema capitalized on a Karius blunder as Gareth Bale scored twice later in the game to seal the win for the European giants.
However, Jurgen Klopp's men have come strong this season, reaching the semi-final with no trouble. Though, they now face an arduous task of locking horns with reigning Spanish champions, FC Barcelona.
The Catalans knocked Manchester United out of the quarter-finals as they reached the semi-finals for the first time in the past four years. On the other hand, The Reds demolished Portuguese outfit, FC Porto, with an aggregate score of 6-1. Jurgen Klopp's men have lost three matches in their course to the semi-finals while their opponents have been unbeatable until now.
Let's take a look at three reasons why FC Barcelona will beat Liverpool to book a place in the Champions League final in Madrid:
#3 Threatening attack
One of the biggest reasons for FC Barcelona's domination in the Champions League this season has been their exploits in front of the goal. Maintaining a flawless record in the tournament this term, the Blaugrana have scored a total of 23 goals, speaking of which Ernesto Valverde's men have found the back of the net 9 times in the knock-out stage itself.
Liverpool, who themselves are home to some of the best forwards in the world, have scored a total of 18 goals in the tournament but have failed to impress in several games including the 2-0 defeat at the hands of minnows, Red Star.
Philippe Coutinho has been alive and kicking since the last month which leaves a threat for his former side who'd be wary of the Brazilian playmaker. Virgil Van Dijk and company would be put to a test as they face the unstoppable Lionel Messi and co. away from home.
#2 Gerard Pique's heroics
Liverpool star, Virgil Van Dijk has been claimed by many as the best defender in the world recently. Proving his worth for the Reds, the Dutch defender won the PFA player of the year award for this season.
However, Gerard Pique has also been in a fine form of his own. The Spaniard has been the backbone of Barcelona's defense throughout the season. Led by the likes of Pique, Lenglet, and Jordi Alba, the Catalans are looking more stable then they were at the time they crashed out of the Champions League at the hands of AS Roma last term.
The 32-year-old Spanish center-back has been in the best of forms across all competitions since the start of the season. Pique's partner at the heart of the Blaugrana's defense, Samuel Umiti has been replaced by his compatriot, Clement Lenglet, who is forming a rigid defensive duo alongside the former Manchester United star.
#1 Unstoppable Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi, who is propelling the Catalans towards yet another treble, has been alive and kicking since the start of the season. The Argentine talisman was snubbed from the Ballon d'Or top-three in 2018 but he has responded brilliantly to become the favorite to lift the prestigious award this year.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has propelled the Catalans to a successive La Liga triumph after booking a place in the Copa Del Rey final against Valencia.
Messi has found the back of the net 10 times in the Champions League this season. Also, he's leading the race for the European Golden Shoe with 34 league goals registered to his name.
Van Dijk and company will face an arduous task of stopping the raging Argentine forward who scored a brace when the Catalans knocked out their bitter rivals, Manchester United in the quarterfinals. Messi maintains a prolific record against English teams in the European competition and would look to add to his tally tonight.
