CL | Round 5: Juventus - FC Barcelona 0-0

[Stoichkov1]

Not pointless. We've played 5 top games so far. Lost 2, won 1, and drew 1. If we lose tonight, it's another bad result vs a top 10 team. This makes our chances for CL slim.

Valverde's Barca has been unimpressive so far when we've met really strong teams, I'm hoping for him to show that's not the case. A good result here vs Juve, a win maybe, would sure give us confidence that we're not just about beating the smaller teams, but also about playing well in top games.

The supercup matches don't count, Valverde didn't have enough time to work with the squad.

 

[wisconsincule]

Not pointless. We've played 5 top games so far. Lost 2, won 1, and drew 1. If we lose tonight, it's another bad result vs a top 10 team. This makes our chances for CL slim.

This match has no greater implications for the CL unless we lose 10-0. We’ve got a +6 goal difference on them. All we need to do is win the final round and still take 1st in the group. I don’t mind Valverde not starting Messi. Valencia is the mist win this week. I’m just bummed as this game will now be a snooze fest. Think we lose but who knows.

 

[Neeraj]

No way this is a rest. Valverde has no balls, we've already seen that. There's no way he could make a move like this. Almost 0 chance. Has to be an illness/precaution from medical team.

 

[PhilS]

4-4-2. This lineup should be able to defend, the best 8 defensive back line and midfielders are all included.

Valverde certainly is taking the Valencia game seriously, resting Messi, Alba and Paco. If Messi is not hurt, I would not be surprised to see him enter the game around the 30 minute mark, unless Barca already has the lead by then. Just sit Messi long enough to get him good and angry, he tends to be devastating coming in off the bench.

 

[Xaviniesta]

Tests for Digne, Semedo, Deulofeu, and Paulinho tonight in this tough away game

 

[JamDav1982]

No way this is a rest. Valverde has no balls, we've already seen that. There's no way he could make a move like this. Almost 0 chance. Has to be an illness/precaution from medical team.

Valverde does have balls.

 

[LeeRomeno]

Well one thing is for sure, Juventus did not expect this, will be interesting to see how this turns out.

 

[serghei]

Tests for Digne, Semedo, Deulofeu, and Paulinho tonight in this tough away game

True. And for Valverde. High pressure match against a team that can punish mistakes at any point.

 

[MessiTHEgoat]

so please, explain to me this;

why 33 ans iniesta who played 2 friendlies games and he always running too much compared to messi who only walk 70% of time. is starting and messi is not?

this is ridiculous, next week there's a CDR game and everyone will get time to rest... benching messi is just laughable.

 

[behindbrowneyes]

No way we're gonna score now. This match will end 0-0.

 

[serghei]

Valverde does have balls.

Of course he does. He has 3 kids and is a married man.

 

[Neeraj]

Valverde does have balls.

 

[Ghostmaster]

Juve starting with Benatia, Barzagli and Rugani in defence, no Chiellini.

 

[FinBarcelonafan]

no Messi!!?!??!?! What the hell?????

 

[Ousmane Dembélé]

4-4-2. This lineup should be able to defend, the best 8 defensive back line and midfielders are all included.

Valverde certainly is taking the Valencia game seriously, resting Messi, Alba and Paco. If Messi is not hurt, I would not be surprised to see him enter the game around the 30 minute mark, unless Barca already has the lead by then. Just sit Messi long enough to get him good and angry, he tends to be devastating coming in off the bench.