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FC Barcelona takes on Liverpool in the first leg of their semifinal encounter in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday at the Camp Nou. Ernesto Valverde and Jurgen Klopp will face off as the managers of La Blaugrana and the Reds respectively.
While Barcelona has already sealed their LaLiga title with a win last weekend, Liverpool is still in the hunt for their first Premier League title. At the moment, they are second behind Manchester City (with only a point between them).
We pick out three key battles that you cannot miss when the two sides meet at the Camp Nou tonight.
#1 Lionel Messi vs Andy Robertson
The battle between Lionel Messi, perhaps the greatest footballer on earth currently, and Liverpool's Scottish left-back, Andrew Robertson, will be riveting to watch. Messi had a brilliant game against Liverpool's arch-rivals, Manchester United, in the second leg of their quarterfinal clash, and will be hoping to continue his run of form.
Scotsman Robertson was named in the PFA team of the year recently and will be keen on continuing his golden run in the Champions League as well. Jurgen Klopp will trust him to keep Messi in check.
#2 Ivan Rakitic vs Naby Keita
Barcelona's Croatian central midfielder, Ivan Rakitic, will be up against Liverpool's Naby Keita on Wednesday. Rakitic pulls the strings for La Blaugrana in the centre of the park, as does Keita for the Reds. Both of them will be involved in one of the greatest tussles of the match.
Naby Keita has also been amongst the goals lately, having netted one last for Liverpool in his side's 5-0 victory over Huddersfield Town last weekend. Jurgen Klopp has entrusted him with the key to the centre of the park, and he shouldn't disappoint.
Rakitic however, will have plans of his own and can be very tricky to contain.
#3 Jordi Alba vs Mohamed Salah
Barcelona's Spanish left-back, Jordi Alba, will have the unenviable task of keeping Liverpool's Egyptian talisman, Mohamed Salah, quiet in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semifinal clash on Wednesday. Mohamed Salah, with his zig-zag runs and cuts inside, can be a nightmare for any defender, but Jordi Alba will be very well prepared.
Alba is also a threat to Liverpool offensively, as he is well-known for making overlapping runs. Salah, however, will be keen on getting the ball forward himself, twisting and turning away from the versatile Spaniard.
Which team do you reckon will come out on top over both legs of the UEFA Champions League semi-final tie? Please have your say in the comments below!
