Story so far: Barcelona
Supporting Barça hasn’t been for the faint-hearted this term. Witness that incredible last-16 comeback, when they became the first team in UEFA Champions League history to overturn a four-goal first-leg defeat. Indeed, they have been sublime at home, scoring 21 goals and conceding one in four mesmerising victories. Away they have won two, lost two. Next up: Juventus.
Record this season: P8 W6 D0 L2 F26 A9
Pivotal moment
Going out on a limb here, it probably comes from the 6-1 second-leg triumph against Paris. Take your pick: Marc-AndrĂ© ter Stegen’s boot denying Edinson Cavani what would have been a killer 3-2 goal; Neymar’s stunning free-kick to make it 4-1 on 88 minutes; or how about Sergi Roberto himself and that 95th-minute clincher!
Why this is Barcelona’s year
See above. What better way to say farewell to coach Luis Enrique this summer?
- Quarter-final opposition: Juventus
- Stats, facts and figures: Juventus v Barcelona
Main attraction: Lionel Messi – It is five seasons since the mercurial Argentinian last topped the UEFA Champions League scoring charts by himself but, with 11 goals already, it’s difficult to see anyone catching him.
Rising star: Samuel Umtiti – The summer signing from Lyon, 23, has been deployed in a back four and back three this campaign, yet has never looked fazed. With him, Barcelona have won 17/17 in the Liga; without it’s 2/11.
Unsung hero: Sergio Busquets – Xavi Hernández always looked impossible to replace but Busquets has quietly done a pretty good impression. Still only 28, he’s already ninth on Barcelona’s list of all-time appearances.
Top Fantasy points scorers: Lionel Messi (66)
- Quarter-finalists in profile: Dortmund
- Quarter-finalists in profile: Monaco
- Quarter-finalists in profile: Leicester
- Quarter-finalists in profile: Atlético Madrid
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