Unlike Tuesday night's almost-miracle at the Emirates Stadium, Barcelona is unlikely to relinquish their lead on Bayer Leverkusen and allow the German side to make things interesting. Though there were times when Barcelona looked nervy at the back in the first leg, they walked away from the BayArena with a 3-1 victory, and it would take a true disaster at Camp Nou for them to fail to advance.
Barcelona Vs. Bayer Leverkusen, 2012 UEFA Champions League: I Guess We Can Play The Second Leg
Barcelona have their Champions League tie well in hand. They host Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday.
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Sidney Sam and Tranquillo Barnetta continue to miss out for Bayer through injury, so Robin Dutt does not have a large supply of potential miracle workers. Vedran Corluka and Michael Ballack are struggling for fitness as well. Barcelona are without Alexis Sanchez and Eric Abidal through recent injuries, while David Villa is still out long-term. Thiago Alcantara is a doubt.
Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets did not play over the weekend, as they were suspended. They will probably return to the starting XI. Gerard Pique was sent off in that match against Sporting over the weekend, so Pep Guardiola might as well play him as well. Guardiola will play a strong side, but expect one of his youngsters to play up top.
Game Date/Time: Wednesday, March 7, 2:45 p.m. ET, 8:45 p.m. local
Venue: Camp Nou, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
TV: FOX Soccer Channel (USA - English), FOX Deportes (USA - Spanish), ITV1 (UK)
Projected Barcelona Lineup (4-3-3): Valdes; Adriano, Pique, Puyol, Alves; Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta; Cuenca, Messi, Fabregas
Projected Bayer Leverkusen Lineup (4-2-3-1): Leno; Kadlec, Toprak, Friedrich, Schwaab; Reinartz, Bender; Schurrle, Augusto, Castro; Kiessling
For more on the Blaugranas, head over to Barca Blaugranes and The Offside Barcelona.
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