Shakhtar-Barça, a duel that is 'worth' a ticket to the Champions League round of 16

Published:6/11/2023 - 22:34h

Updated:6/11/2023 - 22:34h

FC Barcelona visits Shakhtar Donetsk with a very clear objective: Add at least one point to get into the round of 16 of the Champions League for the first time since the 2020/2021 season

The FC Barcelona plays a lot in his visit to the Volksparkstadion (Hamburg). And it is that further to win to the Shakhtar, begins to be at stake the classification to the eighth of final of the Champions League. They have signed a phase of groups, with three victories in three parties that allow him need, only, a point to confirm his presence in the following phase of the competition for the first time from the season 2020/2021 and after two years falling very soon.

And it is that the Barça, from this fourth date of the liguilla, is not confronting only in front of a rival team, in this case the Shakhtar, but also against all the ghosts that have pursued him in these two last years. Between the disappointments in front of the Bayern, by double game, Benfica and Inter of Milan, the blaugana add two seasons falling in the phase of groups. In the most recent, in fact, were deleted before contesting the last day. Of there that the challenge, by the psychological and emotional appearance, was even more big.

For the Catalans is a special and decisive appointment. They are to, at least, a point to go back to a draw of eighth of final and live the phase 'KO' of the Champions League. Against the Shakhtar will be the first 'bullet' of the Barça, but no the last. The mattress of points that had added in the first three days allows them have a base with which be calm of face to the classification. Although in Europe is impossible to trust... And they know it quite well.

Shakhtar and Barça arrive with confidence

The culés arrive strengthened after the victory against the Real Sociedad, that has been the most suffered of what goes of season. It was a party in which the ones of Xavi Hernández showed a very passive version, without rhythm and left a seguidilla of important errors that almost happen bill. However, the resilencia and the spirit of fight allowed them arrive alive to the end so that Ronald Araújo marked, in the last minute, the goal of the victory. The merit is absolute.

It was a hit of confidence for a Barça that arrived 'touched' by the defeat in the Classical against the Real Madrid. It will remain to see, now, how they are faced with a Shakhtar that has had very good registers from the arrival of Marino Pusic to the bench. They add two victories since they fell in the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Compannys in the party of the first turn. The trainer is answering to the requirement and recovering the shine of the team. And it wants to show it in 'house' in front of the Barça.

Maximum respect between both teams

In the previous of the clash, Pusic recognised that "we are speaking of the FC Barcelona, one of the best clubs of Europe, with a wonderful team, with an incredible potential; it is evident that treats of all a challenge for us" and that "do not have at all that lose (...) The only that ask him to the team is that it show and compete". The Shakhtar arrives like third of the group H, with three points, by behind the Barça (9) and Port wine (6).

Xavi Hernández, by his part, recognised that they wanted to recover the good feelings and leave a party with a lot of goals, but also are conscious that it depends of the rival: "We want to play a big football and win by goleada, this is the perfect film but will not happen in each party. There is a rival that tightens you, can be less inspired, be missing intensity. Ojalá Arrived in each party to this ideal stage. It is necessary to follow be patient, humble, workers...".