Each year, the UEFA Champions League presents attractive matches to millions of football viewers around the world. The spectacle becomes breathtaking when a match decides if a certain team remains in the tournament. Today, December 15th, the round of 16 draw was made. Some of the games present a hard challenge to both teams. For example, the match between Manchester City and FC Barcelona could determine the competence of the managers and structure of both teams in this season.
Manchester City has done a good job until now. Its manager, Manuel Pellegrini, did the necessary to accomplish the classification to this round after a hard match against AS Roma, even though important players like Sergio Agüero were injured. Playing in the Stadio Olimpico of Roma, the citizens won 0-2 with the goals of David Silva and Pablo Zabaleta. For some people, the group of Manchester City was the most difficult of this Champions tournament, including the Bayern Munich, CSKA Moscow, and AS Roma.
In Premier League, Manchester City is in second place with 36 points after 16 matches; 3 points below Chelsea.
In the case of FC Barcelona the outlook is not so positive. Although they accomplished the classification to the round of 16 on the first place of their group defeating teams like the PSG, in the Spanish League their results have been irregular. The last game they played was against the Getafe, and ended with a dull result (0-0).
They are in the second place of the Spanish League, 4 points below Real Madrid.
Barcelona´s manager, Luis Enrique, is facing many critics against his attitude and game style of the team. The critics are based on the results obtained in substantial matches. After he was asked about the draw with Getafe, Luis Enrique answered that he does not read critics any more based on the recommendations of the main doctor. He explained that playing against Getafe is difficult, and the team´s attitude was good, but the victory was not accomplished.
It is very clear that Barcelona needs to win the battle versus Manchester City to keep the calm. If they get eliminated in this phase of the competition some things could change in the Spanish team structure. The Barcelona’s condition in the Spanish League is not very comfortable, and the addition of a possible elimination in the Champions League could cause the early dismissal of Luis Enrique.
The players of Manchester City know that Barcelona is a very strong team that would do their best to get in the next phase. Pellegrini should prepare very well his players if he wants to defeat Barcelona, even though the team of Luis Enrique is not on the best conditions. Barcelona is the second team in the UEFA club ranking and some of its players are part of the bests of the world. Surely, we will see a disputed match where the passion and talent will emerge.
Article contributed by: Eduardo
Twitter: @Edu_Lobl
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| Manchester City Vs. FC Barcelona Preview |
In Premier League, Manchester City is in second place with 36 points after 16 matches; 3 points below Chelsea.
In the case of FC Barcelona the outlook is not so positive. Although they accomplished the classification to the round of 16 on the first place of their group defeating teams like the PSG, in the Spanish League their results have been irregular. The last game they played was against the Getafe, and ended with a dull result (0-0).
They are in the second place of the Spanish League, 4 points below Real Madrid.
Barcelona´s manager, Luis Enrique, is facing many critics against his attitude and game style of the team. The critics are based on the results obtained in substantial matches. After he was asked about the draw with Getafe, Luis Enrique answered that he does not read critics any more based on the recommendations of the main doctor. He explained that playing against Getafe is difficult, and the team´s attitude was good, but the victory was not accomplished.
It is very clear that Barcelona needs to win the battle versus Manchester City to keep the calm. If they get eliminated in this phase of the competition some things could change in the Spanish team structure. The Barcelona’s condition in the Spanish League is not very comfortable, and the addition of a possible elimination in the Champions League could cause the early dismissal of Luis Enrique.
The players of Manchester City know that Barcelona is a very strong team that would do their best to get in the next phase. Pellegrini should prepare very well his players if he wants to defeat Barcelona, even though the team of Luis Enrique is not on the best conditions. Barcelona is the second team in the UEFA club ranking and some of its players are part of the bests of the world. Surely, we will see a disputed match where the passion and talent will emerge.
Article contributed by: Eduardo
Twitter: @Edu_Lobl
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