Barcelona take huge entourage of 160 people to Anfield for Champions League clash against Liverpool 

Barcelona’s 3-0 first leg win at the Camp Nou did nothing to reduce the demand among the club’s staff to be at Anfield on Wednesday night with a huge entourage of 160 in Liverpool for the game.

The Catalan club say such a big travelling staff is normal for Champions League games with players, coaching staff, directors, club media, club employees, executives, invited guests and some family members making the trip on Monday lunchtime.

Some Liverpool supporters lined the entrance to the city’s Hilton hotel where the travelling party and team stayed on Monday night as former favourite Luis Suarez returned to the city.

He admitted in his press conference that club canteen staff had been in touch to say they had gifts for his daughter Delfina who they looked after when he was a Liverpool player. 

Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde called upon his side to ignore the first leg and also cope with the pressure of playing at Anfield.

Luis Suarez revealed Liverpool canteen staff had gifts for his daughter Delfina

Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde has called upon his side to ‘ignore the first leg’

He said: ‘We need to ignore the first leg, it would be an error otherwise,’ Valverde told reporters. 

‘The fans at Anfield generate a lot of noise and passion. 

‘We’ve played well at big stadiums like Old Trafford and the San Siro this season so we can cope with the pressure.’

A goal from Luis Suarez and a brace from Lionel Messi has put Barcelona in an excellent position to progress to the final, where they would face Ajax or Tottenham if they get through.

Valverde rested his key stars as Barcelona, who have already secured the La Liga title, were beaten 2-0 by Celta Vigo on Saturday.