‘One goal at Anfield:’ Spanish press reveal Barcelona tactics as La Liga giants look to score early against Liverpool and reach Champions League final ‘without suffering’
- Barcelona have travelled to Liverpool for their Champions League second-leg
- The two teams will battle it out for a place in the Madrid final on June 1
- After a high level first-leg, Barca emerged 3-0 victors courtesy of Lionel Messi
- Spanish reports state Barca will seek an early goal to remove all pressure
Barcelona are preparing to visit Anfield on Tuesday with the hope of booking their place in the Champions League final, and reports in Spain claim the La Liga giants have a specific approach in mind for Liverpool.
Despite the teams both playing top level football in the opening clash in Catalonia, Barca came away with a 3-0 victory courtesy of the magic of Lionel Messi.
The reigning La Liga champions are now in a prime position to progress to the Madrid final, though will not sit back and defend on Merseyside – according to reports.
Reports in Spain claim Barcelona will set up so as to score an early goal at Anfield
Mundo Deportivo outlines a specific tactical effort while AS claim Barca do not want to ‘suffer’
Across the Spanish media, the talk is of an aggressive Barca coming to Anfield with the intention of scoring early and putting the tie beyond all doubt.
Should the Catalans get the goal they desire, Liverpool would have to score five times without further reply to progress.
Liverpool are waiting on the fitness of Mohamed Salah who was injured against Newcastle
It is a huge ask for Jurgen Klopp’s side, who made last season’s final in Kiev only to be defeated by Real Madrid.
Leading publication AS goes describes how ‘Barca’s dressing room considers in Liverpool to achieve the path to the final without suffering.’
The rough translation suggests Barca will set up so as to get their early goal, and then relax into the match and defend dutifully.
‘1 gol en Anfield,’ write Sport, as Mundo Deportivo outline ‘La tactica de Anfield.’
Lionel Messi made the difference in the first-leg, scoring twice in a 3-0 victory in Catalonia
Barca will be without Ousmane Dembele for the tie, after the Frenchman picked up and injury during midweek La Liga action.
Liverpool are waiting on the fitness of main striker Roberto Firmino, who could only make a cameo appearance at the Nou Camp.
Likewise, Mohamed Salah remains a doubt after going down with a head injury in the recent 3-2 victory over Newcastle on Tyneside.
The Reds will assess the Egyptian for concussion, before making a call on whether he will play a part in the second-leg showdown.
