Following an amazing triumph over Levante in La Liga over the weekend, Barcelona returns to action to decide their European fate this season as they host Eintracht Frankfurt for the second leg of their Europa League quarterfinal encounter at the Greatest Stadium on Earth.
For those who don't follow the Bundesliga, the first leg last week demonstrated the entire menace of the Frankfurt side. In Germany, Oliver Glasner's team was outstanding, pressing Barça high up the pitch and producing counter-attacking chances aplenty. They might have taken a huge stride towards a massive shock if they had converted their chances, but they only managed one, making their task much more difficult ahead of the journey to Camp Nou.
In Frankfurt, Barça were not at their best, surrendering the ball in critical situations and laboring against a well-organized and aggressive defense. They improved in the second half and had a chance to win late, so Xavi Hernández's team is still in contention for qualification.
On Thursday, Xavi requested a "pressure cooker" atmosphere at Camp Nou, and Barça fans must really push the players. Even though this isn't a Champions League night, it is still under the bright lights with a European semi-final berth on the line. It's a massive game, and it's Barça's best chance at a title, so they need to perform well and have the support of the fans.
This will be a lot of fun since Frankfurt has established their worth, and Barça knows they must rise to the occasion.
TEAMS NEWS
Dani Alves, Ansu Fati, Sergi Roberto, Samuel Umtiti (out), Gerard Piqué are among Barcelona's outs and doubts
Tuta, Christopher Lenz (out), Djibril Sow are among the Frankfurt outs and doubts
PREDICTED LINEUPS
Barcelona : Ter Stegen; Dest, Araujo, Eric, Alba; F. De Jong, Busquets, Pedri; Dembélé, Aubameyang, Ferran
Frankfurt : Trapp; Touré, Hinteregger, Ndicka; Knauff, Jakic, Sow, Kostic; Lindstrom, Borré, Kamada
PREDICTION
The atmosphere will be crucial, the team will improve, and we'll go on: 3-1 to the good folks.