Viktoria Plzen have struggled in their first two matches in the UEFA Champions League. They're also struggling domestically in the Czech Republic, at least compared to the way they played last season. Barcelona, meanwhile, are in superb form in La Liga and steamrolled BATE Borisov 5-0 in the previous round of fixtures. There's a pretty good chance that you see where this is going. FC Barcelona blog Barca Blaugranes expects nothing less than utter domination at the Camp Nou on Wednesday, even if Barca doesn't play their first team.
Barcelona Vs. Viktoria Plzen, 2011 UEFA Champions League: Barca Blaugranes Is Unsurprisingly Optimistic
FC Barcelona will be seeing a lot of the ball again [Wednesday], and if the start of the season is anything to go by they are getting even better at utilising it fully. With figures routinely hitting 80%, Barca are maintaining a high level of chance creation, something that could not be applied to previous matches with the same figures of possession (Real Madrid last season). But that's a story for another day.
Match Prediction: Barcelona to grab an early goal, say around the 15 minute mark, and to keep chipping away until they feel comfortable enough to conserve energy. Expect at least three or four goals in this one, and of course, Lionel Messi to be getting his share.
Yep, that sounds about right. This could get interesting if Plzen hold firm for 30-plus minutes, then nick a goal on a set piece or a counter-attack, but that doesn’t seem terribly likely.
For more on Barcelona vs. Victoria Plzen and anything else about the Blaugranas, check out FC Barcelona blog Barca Blaugranes.
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