Can Barcelona pull off another historic comeback?

Without a doubt, we have had an intriguing Uefa Champions League season full of upsets or rather surprising events.

Barcelona’s poor performances against PSG and Tuesday night defeat in Turin to Juventus are one of the biggest shockers in the game.

Although, many pundits agree to the fact that anything can happen in a game of football, but that has not translated to mean that analysts make accurate predictions.

But for a team like Barcelona many never saw this coming. It’s not news to fans that the Spanish champions lost 3-0 to Italian giants, Juventus on Tuesday night and arguably the most common comment is ‘nobody saw that coming’ not the loss actually, but the fact that Barcelona with the Lionel Messi, Luiz Suarez and Neymar failed to hit the goal post.

Prior to Tuesday’s game, the Catalonians were rated high after making the biggest comeback in Champions League history with their impressive 6-1 comeback over Paris Saint-Germain PSG, but the Italian side are not an easy nut to crack.

The question on our minds now is will Barcelona pull the comeback trick again, can they make it to the semifinals stage.

Many soccer analysts are of the opinion that Juventus will not give Barcelona a smooth ride at the Camp Nou, considering the fact that Juventus coached by Italian tactician Massimiliano Allegri have conceded just two goals in the Champions League this season.

The Italian club side who are at the top of their league with 6 points clear above AS Roma, will definitely give Enrique’s side a battle for their ticket for the next round of the champions League.

Also many analysts believe that PSG come back was not solely as result of Barcelona’s good performance in the game, but that PSG underestimated the possibility of a loss and did not bring their A game.

Barcelona outgoing coach Luis Enrique look dejected after watching his side capitulate in the second Champions League first leg tie in a row.

Enrique was demoralized in post-match press statement, describing the defeat as a ‘nightmare’.

He further said: “It’s very difficult to explain Juventus were superior to us. I’m responsible, 101 percent and I don’t want to talk about a comeback.”

Given the PSG comeback, it was no surprise Dybala warned against any complacency on Juventus part. “We played a great game and we made the best of the chances we had. It is certainly a great result ahead of the return leg. We are in a very good position and we’re playing with great confidence but we cannot relax because it will be very difficult at the Camp Nou.” Juventus will definitely be bringing their best game to Camp Nou.

Although, no one saw Barcelona’s Tuesday night loss, not to talk of a 3-0 defeat, many speculate that Barcelona slump may continue.

Analysts say the recent poor Barcelona run could be traced to the undecided future of some key players (such as Messi whose contract is yet to be sorted out), or the announcement of Enrique’s exit.

The task is higher one on paper for Barcelona than their impressive 6-1 comeback over Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus incredible defence will present the Catalans with a mountain to climb come April 19.

If Barcelona must rap up this season victoriously, some checks and balances must be done to bring the team back to top shape.

 

Hezron Atunde and Akobi Ugochukwu