Scottish giants Celtic travel to the Nou Camp in search of a big upset victory against Champions League contenders FC Barcelona. Join us for live scores and commentary from 5:30am AEST.
After a very promising start to their Champions League campaign, Celtic now faces a tough ask against a Barcelona side eager to make a solid impression at home.
Barcelona was unconvincing at home in their 3-2 victory over Spartak Moscow on match day one and will be keen to put Celtic to the sword in front of their home fans.
Celtic on the other hand will have other ideas and may just fancy their chances of securing a strong result away from home.
While Barcelona’s attack remains as potent as ever, their defence has left a lot to be desired so far this season and Celtic will have taken note of their frailties at the back.
Celtic however will need to secure their fair share of possession if they are to expose a shaky Barcelona defence, and it is highly unlikely that the Scottish giants will see a lot of the football tonight against Vilanova’s men.
Prediction
There is no doubt that Celtic will play defensively tonight in a bid to frustrate Barcelona, so expect to see Lionel Messi, Cesc Fabregas, Xavi and Andres Iniesta tightly marked as usual.
On a pitch as big as the Nou Camp however, Barcelona invariably find space with their supreme passing game and should be favoured to open Celtic right up throughout the course of the contest.
Messi and Fabregas are the players most likely to cause Celtic huge problems tonight. The duo were largely responsible for securing a 5-4 win against Deportivo La Coruna on the weekend and both will most likely get on the scoresheet yet again this evening.
With so much creative class at their disposal, an early goal by Barcelona should see the home side rack up a big score against Celtic tonight.
The longer the match stays close however, the better it will be for Celtic given that Barcelona’s defence will be keen to press further up the pitch in a bid to regain possession quickly for the hosts.
If that happens, Celtic have the potential to hurt Barcelona on the counter attack with Samaras the player most likely to cause the most trouble upfront against the La Liga giants.
Barcelona can also become their own worst enemy when placed under pressure as evidenced by their poor defensive performance against Deportiva La Coruna.
Jordi Alba scored an own goal on the weekend and Victor Valdez was also unconvincing in goal as he failed to save an easy half volley.
Despite their struggles in defence however, Barcelona should still run out worthy winners tonight against a Celtic side that is simply not in the same class as their Spanish counterparts.
Prediction: Barcelona 3 Celtic 0
Alan
Roar Guru
In the last play of the game, Adriano produced a fine cross and Alba was on hand to pounce and secure an agonising victory for Barcelona who really struggled to penetrate a stern Celtic defence. Messi was kept in check tonight despite have two great chances to score for Barcelona. Forster was immense for Celtic in goal while Samaras was lively in the first half and Forrest caused huge problems on the counter. Barcelona's defence however still leaves alot to be desired and they need their big guns back. Barca however did well to dominate possession in the second half and got just reward for dominating territory and play yet again. Celtic though now travel back to Scotland and will host Barca in a fortnight's time. Barca get out of jail but Celtic certainly won respect with their performance tonight. Barcelona 2 Celtic 1
Alan
Roar Guru
What drama late on here. Alba scores the winner surely and that's a heartbreaking goal for Celtic. Barca win! FULLTIME: Barcelona 2 Celtic 1
Alan
Roar Guru
GOAL BARCELONA - Alba scores!!!!!!!!!!!! Great cross Adriano!!!!!!!! Huge pain for Celtic!!!!!!!!!! Barcelona 2 Celtic 1
Alan
Roar Guru
93' - 90 seconds remain for Barca to snatch a win here. Barca still on the attack and have dominated possession for the entire match. Celtic defence awesome though. Barcelona 1 Celtic 1
Alan
Roar Guru
92' - Messi with a poor ball and Celtic are able to clear yet again. The Argentine will not be happy with his game tonight. Tello now with a poor ball and Celtic win a goalkick Barcelona 1 Celtic 1
Alan
Roar Guru
91' - This match reminds me of Barca's performance against Chelsea last season. So many chances but they just haven't been able to convert Barcelona Barcelona 1 Celtic 1
Alan
Roar Guru
CHANCE BARCELONA - Villa with some space shoots low but the ball comes off the post!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Barcelona 1 Celtic 1
Alan
Roar Guru
89' - Alba out wide causing huge havoc here as he wins the corner. Celtic clear the corner now and Barca have just about run out of time here. Barca still pressing here..... Barcelona 1 Celtic 1
Alan
Roar Guru
88' - Adriano with a very poor shot in space and its a goalkick for Celtic who look destined to secure a famous draw here against the mighty Barca. Celtic very well marshalled in defence tonight Barcelona 1 Celtic 1
Alan
Roar Guru
87' - Villa on the attack now for Barca. Celtic's defensive structure however still very good late on. Barca pressing big time Barcelona 1 Celtic 1
Alan
Roar Guru
86' - Xavi with a poor shot and that was frustrated personified from Xavi there. Celtic continue to hold out very well and deserve the draw. Barcelona 1 Celtic 1
Alan
Roar Guru
85' - Forster clears now for Celtic and they are edging every closer to a huge point earned at the Camp Nou. Barca continue to attack though and are desperate for the winner Barcelona 1 Celtic 1
Alan
Roar Guru
84' - Tello now finds Xavi but Celtic continue to press well in defence and Barca haven't been able to play throug Celtic tonight. Iniesta with possession now finds Tello. Barcelona 1 Celtic 1
Alan
Roar Guru
Surprised to not see Fabregas tonight. Surely the Spaniard is carrying any injury. Barcelona 1 Celtic 1
Alan
Roar Guru
82' - Barca with the corner now as the press for the winner. Messi's corner is cleared but Barca secure possession yet again Barcelona 1 Celtic 1
Alan
Roar Guru
81' - Ambrose with another terrific tackle on Iniesta who was through thanks to Messi and Celtic hold on. Barcelona 1 Celtic 1
Alan
Roar Guru
80' - Barca with ten minutes left to snatch a winner here. Celtic desperate to hold on and secure a famous draw. Messi has been quite by his standards tonight Barcelona 1 Celtic 1
Alan
Roar Guru
SUB BARCELONA - Sanchez comes off for Villa Barcelona 1 Celtic 1
Alan
Roar Guru
79' - Celtic clear yet again but Barcelona once again build from the back but time is starting to run out for Barca at home here. Celtic ever closer to a famous result Barcelona 1 Celtic 1
Alan
Roar Guru
78' - Mascherano now with possession as Barca stay on the attack in search of a late winner here. Celtic though continue to hold out very well Barcelona 1 Celtic 1