After a mediocre defensive performance in a loss against Paris Saint-German on he last match day, Barcelona will be expecting much better of themselves as Ajax comes calling at the Camp Nou. Barca players and coaches alike were extremely self-critical after their loss at PSG and they've played better in La Liga since that match. It's easy to see Barca wanting to send a message at Ajax's expense on Tuesday.
FC Barcelona vs. Ajax Amsterdam, 2014 UEFA Champions League: Team news and game preview
Barca look to bounce back from a loss against Paris Saint-Germain in their last Champions League outing.
Sandra Montanez
Perhaps the biggest roadblock for Barcelona will be a mental one as Luis Enrique will have to focus his players on Ajax with the season's first Clasico looming on the weekend. Barca's players have dealt with situation like this enough to likely know how to deal with things, but it's always something keep in the back of your mind if they should play poorly.
One interesting side note for the match, Barca head coach Luis Enrique and Ajax head coach Frank de Boer were teammates at the Camp Nou during their playing career.
Key Player: Neymar (Barcelona)
Season number two at Barcelona has been much better for Neymar so far. After he struggled to settle in last year under Gerardo Martino, the young Brazilian seems to have found his comfort level with Luis Enrique. Nine goals in seven starts certainly points to Neymar being comfortable, but his own comments to the media have been sending the same message. Everyone knows how dangerous Lionel Messi is, but a comfortable and relaxed Neymar just makes Messi even more lethal.
Key Matchup: Ajax defense vs. Neymar, Messi and more
Ajax are a team capable of causing problems for opposing defenses, but how well they’re able to do that against Barca on Tuesday will come down to how their defense handles Barca’s attack. If Messi and Neymar are able to slice through the back line and take advantage of all the possession their team is likely to have, they’ll likely have a good day. The trouble could come from Ajax’s defense being able to cut off the passing lanes and quickly start counter attack, something Barca have proven to be vulnerable to.
Barcelona injuries and suspensions
Out: Adriano (groin). In Doubt: Busquets (unspecified), Douglas (foot), Vermaelen (hamstring)
Ajax injuries and suspensions
Out: Nicolai Boilesen (head), Viktor Fischer (hamstring), Thulani Serero (hamstring)
Barca's only missing player is defender Adriano who is struggling with a groin injury. Sergio Busquets is a major doubt in he deep midfield, while Douglas and Thomas Vermaelen are all doubtful, with the chances that Vermaelen finally plays a game for Barca slim at this point. if Busquets can't play, Javier Mascherano will likely take over in the defensive midfield.
Match Date/Time: Tuesday 8:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET
Venue: Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain
TV: FOX Sports 1, DirecTV, FOX Soccer Plus (U.S.), FOX Deportes (U.S. - Spanish), Sportsnet World (Canada), Sky Sports 5/HD (U.K.), TV3, TVE La 1 (Spain)
Online: FOX Soccer 2Go, FOX Sports GO (U.S.), Sportsnet World Now (Canada), SkyGo (U.K.)
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