#3 Can Barcelona pass the real test?
After Rafa Benitez’s Liverpool defeated Barcelona at the Nou camp in 2007, there have been 19 English trips to the Catalan ground. In those games, the home team have won 11 matches and drawn eight; it shows how destructive they have been against the English clubs in their home territory.
This time, although Barcelona have a better record against Pep Guardiola’s men ahead of the clash, it won’t be as straightforward as it was in the previous years. The five-time Champions League winners have been fairly inconsistent this season, mixing big wins with some disappointing displays including a home and away defeat to Alves and Celta Vigo respectively so far in the La Liga.
Moreover, except their 1-1 draw against Athletico Madrid, the La Liga giants haven’t faced any big teams in the competition both domestically and in the Champions League. Therefore, the home fixture against Manchester City could prove to be a big task for them.
