Champions League: 3 Factors that suggest Barcelona will hurt Liverpool in Second Leg

Barcelona's Lionel Messi in action against Liverpool during the Champions League Semi-Final First Leg
Barcelona's Lionel Messi in action against Liverpool during the Champions League Semi-Final First Leg

#1 Malcolm, the X-factor

Malcolm can be Barca's trump card
Malcolm can be Barca's trump card

Malcolm has surely not played as much as he hoped but he has been instrumental for Barca in the crunch moments. He came off the bench and scored at San Siro against Inter Milan and also scored the crucial goal against Barca's eternal rivals, Madrid, in the first leg of the Copa Del Rey semi-final.

And with Ousmane Dembele injured, Barca requires someone who has the pace to drag Liverpool's defence and exploit their tired legs in the second half.

Not to forget, Liverpool didn't have the luxury to rest players at the weekend against Newcastle as they are still alive in the title race against Manchester City with Wolves coming up against them on the last day the Premier League.

With Liverpool pushing hard to overturn the first leg deficit, Malcolm and his great understanding with Messi can really prove to be a game-changer. Malcolm, if given a chance, would really love to show what he is capable of in a big match like this.

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