Wednesday’s Champions League match between Barcelona and Chelsea at Camp Nou is a crucial game for both clubs. For the Ernesto Valverde team, winning the game will be a giant step towards winning another historic treble. For Antonio Conte’s team, it will be a defining moment for a season that has been largely underwhelming and inconsistent. With the score at 1-1, the Spanish side have the advantage courtesy of Lionel Messi’s goal in the first leg at Stamford Bridge.

This return leg promises to be interesting with the tie far from being won by both teams.

Here are three things to expect from this game:

THE BATTLE OF THE GAME CHANGERS:

It is big games that make talented players great. The will, desire and passion to perform on the biggest stage and in the biggest games are the marks of a great player. Barca vs Chelsea will showcase the battle of game changers. Football fans as well as both teams will be counting on superstar players to make a big difference in this tie. Will it be Messi or Hazard who decides the tie? Will Rakitic or Fabregas dictate the tempo of the game in favour of their team? Will Iniesta or Willian provide the magic needed for their team to win? Will Christensen or Pique be the rock in defence for their team to edge this tie? Surely, there are many unanswered questions and puzzles to solve. Let’s keep our eyes on this as one team with the superior game changers will emerge victorious.

THE CLASH OF STYLES:

The storyline of this game is surely going to reflect on the playing style of both teams. Barcelona’s possession-based and artistic pattern of play against Chelsea’s direct, counterattacking and pragmatic style. The game other than being decided by the game changers will also be decided by which team executes its tactical blueprint perfectly. Will Valverde or Conte win this one? Watch out!

THE BATTLE OF THE 12 PLAYERS:

A game at the Camp Nou won’t be a walk in the park for Antonio Conte’s Chelsea. You can ask the likes of AC Milan and PSG. Both clubs carried huge advantages into the return legs of games against Barcelona, but only to see their hopes dashed by resilient Barca teams. If Chelsea are to gain a lift to make into the next round, then the vocal support of the Chelsea fans need to be louder than of Barca fans who make the Camp Nou hostile and uncomfortable for visiting teams on match days. Let’s find out who wins this!

Let’s keep the blue flag flying high. Cheers!