Barcelona vs Liverpool
It certainly has all the hallmarks of one.
Two Champions League matches, one tie, 180 minutes (and maybe more) which have the potential to leave a lot more than just SBOBET followers on the edge of their seats.
Both teams have produced their own Champions League 2019 highlights this season – Barcelona were too strong for Man United in the quarter-finals with Liverpool’s most notable success coming against Bayern Munich in the last 16 – but only one side can now progress to the final in Madrid on June 1.
Both sides are also in the hunt for domestic honours, neither taking anything for granted.
Catalan coach Ernesto Valverde will not even consider La Liga retained, despite being within touching distance. Although he did feel comfortable enough to rest star man Lionel Messi in midweek.
Indeed, he may be minded to rest the likes of Messi, Luis Suarez, Gerard Pique and Marc-Andre Ter Stegen this weekend too with this Euro blockbuster firmly on the horizon.
Talking Points
It may well be nonsense but if there’s any validity in reports that Liverpool talisman Mo Salah and manager Jurgen Klopp have suffered a breakdown in their relationship, then the timing couldn’t be worse.
A journalist this week reiterated claims that the pair no longer get on as well as they used to and that Real Madrid are interested in bringing the Egyptian to the Bernabeu.
That aside, the main talking points from my perspective focus on two questions.
Will Suarez return to bite the hand that once fed him? (no pun intended given his history of cannibalism). Indiscipline may have marred some of his time in England, but he propelled Liverpool to within an inch of long awaited title glory in 2013/14 and is fondly thought of by the red half of Merseyside.
Then there is the question: how will this Barcelona defence react when being attacked?
United failed to ask serious questions in the quarter-final before self-destructing early in the second leg.
Liverpool seem more threatening right now and could put a rearguard which is not as strong as it once was under real pressure.
In addition, I’ve not even mentioned another former Liverpool forward, Philippe Coutinho, who left for Barcelona 16 months ago for a club record fee.
With the speed, directness and interchanging of their attacking play too strong for many, the smart money would suggest the winner of this tie will be the favourite to be crowned 2019 European champions.
However, Ajax or Spurs will have something to say about that so I jump the gun.
Let’s just enjoy this delicious looking semi-final first.
History
Considering the pedigree of both clubs, Barcelona and Liverpool haven’t actually crossed paths on too many occasions.
They haven’t met for more than a decade but what two meetings they were.
A meeting in the last 16 in 2007 saw Liverpool knock out then holders Barcelona on away goals.
Craig Bellamy and John Arne Riise scored the goals that night after Deco had put Barcelona ahead was only half the story.
Barca won the second leg at Anfield with a solitary goal from Eidur Gudjohnsen, but the Merseysiders prevailed on away goals.
Their only other meeting in the Champions League group stages came in 2001/02 when Barca won a thrilling match 3-1 at Anfield.
Michael Owen put the hosts in front but goals from Patrick Kluivert, Fabio Rochemback and Marc Overmars turned things around.
The group match at the Nou Camp ended goalless.
Liverpool had the edge on their way to winning the 2001 UEFA Cup.
They also drew 0-0 in Spain in the first leg of the semi-final before a Gary McAllister penalty settled the second leg.
Overall, Liverpool have won three of their meetings, three have been draws and Barcelona have two victories.
Betting Tip
Barcelona vs Liverpool | Total Goal 4-6 @ 2.81 | |
May 2, 03:00 (GMT+8) |
The Champions League 2019 betting odds back Barca as favourites at home, but Liverpool should be written off at their peril and very generous odds are available to back Jurgen Klopp’s side.
1X2 odds have Barca @ 1.81, the draw @ 3.55 and Liverpool at a distant @ 4.20.
Asian Handicap -0.75 Barcelona @ 2.04 and Asian Handicap + 0.50 Liverpool @ 2.13 seem a more accurate barometer of the way these teams are closely matched.
With so much attacking talent on show, and the ethos of both sides, you can see why total goal 0-1 would payout @ 4.50.
Total goal 2-3 @ 2.03 and over 3.00 goal @ 2.05 also reflect that.
Who said semi-finals were tight, cagey affairs!
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR () BETS ARE WORTH: | |||
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= €20 (Highly confident) | = €10 (CONFIDENT) | = €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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