Arguably the standout fixture of the 2020-21 Champions League group stage takes place in Turin on Wednesday night as Juventus host Barcelona in a repeat of the 2015 final.
Coronavirus may deny fans a much-anticipated reunion between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, but it will still be a star-studded occasion between two clubs with legendary figures as their new managers, both looking to make their mark.
Wednesday’s mouth-watering showdown will be Juventus’ 200th Champions League outing and victory would see them become the first Italian team to chalk up 100 wins in the competition – both landmarks which they would relish reaching against a team of Barcelona’s quality.
Andrea Pirlo will not need reminding about his last showdown with the Blaugrana, which also happened to be his final appearance in a Juventus shirt as Barcelona beat the Italian giants in the 2015 Champions League final.
Juve will justifiably expect to seal their place in the knockout rounds once again, but it is their double-header against Barca which is likely to determine first and second spot, and subsequently an easier route through the knockout rounds.
The hosts may feel that this is the best possible time to face a Barcelona side still reeling from such a tumultuous 2019-20 campaign on and off the field.
New boss Ronald Koeman initially looked to have steadied the ship, but crisis has quickly engulfed the club once again, including back-to-back defeats at the hands of Getafe and, on Saturday, Clasico rivals Real Madrid at Camp Nou.
Considering their form heading into this one, hopes will not be too high of that changing here, although this is a contest between two European giants who are used to winning a lot more frequently than they have managed so far this term. Barca have never won away from home against Juventus.
Credit: sportsmole.co.uk
The post Juve, Barcelona set to bring back ‘Ronaldo, Messi’ rivalry appeared first on The Chronicle Online.
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