Champions League: Messi and Ronaldo Clash at Camp Nou Once More

Barcelona vs Juventus

The Champions League matchup everyone has been waiting for is almost here. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo finally look set to meet once again as Barcelona and Juventus clash in their Group G finale.

Messi’s Barca got the better of Juventus, who were without a COVID-positive Cristiano in their first meeting. Because of that win, the Champions League 2020 betting odds have the Catalans as significant favourites to finish on top of the group.

However, the Italian champions will come into the match in much better form as Barca continue to have issues this season. Ronaldo and the Old Lady will be eager to get some revenge on Barca and become the team to end the Catalans’ incredible unbeaten run in the Champions League at the Camp Nou.

 

Talking Points

Barca take another big step back

Barcelona had seemingly turned the corner on their season. They produced a couple of impressive Champions League 2020 results against Dynamo Kyiv and Ferencvaros, and thrashed Osasuna in the league. They won those three matches by a combined score of 11-0.

However, the Catalans took another step back as they suffered a shock 2-1 defeat away to newly promoted Cadiz over the weekend. That was despite controlling an incredible 82 per cent of possession and attempting 21 shots.

Messi alone was responsible for 10 of those shots, with half of them on target, but he was still unable to get on the scoresheet.

Meanwhile, Barca continue to have major question marks in defence. Centre-back Clement Lenglet has not missed any time despite suffering an ankle injury in their win over Osasuna. But he was involved in a major miscommunication with goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen which led directly to Cadiz’s winning goal.

Lenglet’s central defensive partner, Oscar Mingueza — who once again got the start for the injured Gerard Pique – also played a crucial part in conceding Cadiz’s first goal and was subbed off at half-time.

Striker Martin Braithwaite has started the last four games for Barcelona, but it remains to be seen whether manager Ronald Koeman will trust him for this big match against Juve.

Ousmane Dembele, who scored the opener for Barca at the Allianz Stadium, looks likely to take Braithwaite’s spot in the starting line-up. Messi, who’s been rested for the side’s last two Champions League outings, is also likely to return to the side.

 

Juve still unconvincing despite good results

Juventus have bounced back quite well after their home defeat to Barcelona. They’ve gone eight matches unbeaten in all competitions since that setback, with six wins and two draws.

However, their performances have still not looked particularly convincing under new manager Andrea Pirlo.

Despite being at home, they still needed to come from behind and get a late winner to beat rivals Torino 2-1 in the Turin derby over the weekend.

That match snapped Cristiano Ronaldo’s consecutive scoring streak at five matches. The Portuguese superstar is having another productive season with 10 goals in just nine appearances.

However, the Italian giants remain highly reliant on the 35-year-old to deliver the goals, especially with Paulo Dybala having a disappointing season to date. The talented Argentine has scored just one goal with no assists in 10 appearances this season.

Dybala got the start against Torino due to Alvaro Morata’s suspension. But the Spanish striker is set to return to the starting XI against Barcelona, which should be a big boost to Juve’s attack.

 

Morata is having an impressive first season back at Juve, with nine goals and four assists in 13 appearances, and is the current joint-top scorer in the Champions League with six goals.

 

History

Barcelona beat Juventus 2-0 in their first meeting in this season’s Champions League thanks to goals from Ousmane Dembele and Lionel Messi.

That was their fifth victory over Juventus in 12 all-time encounters. Juve have won three of those matches, while there have been four draws.

Barca are gunning to go unbeaten in the group stage for the fifth straight season. Their last loss in the group stage came against Manchester City back in 2016/17. They’ve won 19 of their 25 matches since.

Moreover, Barca are unbeaten in their last 38 Champions League home games, a run that began all the way back in September 2013. They’ve won 34 out of those 38 matches at the Camp Nou.

 

Betting Tip

	Barcelona vs Juventus	1X2 Juventus @ 3.25
	December 9, 04:00 (GMT+8)

Despite the fact that they have been quite inconsistent this season, SBOTOP odds still have Barcelona as significant 2.16 favourites to pick up the home win and end the group stage with a perfect record. Meanwhile, Juventus are priced at 3.25 to spring the upset, while a draw is at 3.30.

While Juve have not been all that impressive thus far this season, their odds look too enticing to pass up. Ronaldo’s presence this time around is obviously huge for them, and the fact that he will be going up against a much-weakened Barca backline bodes well for Juve’s chances of scoring.

With Barca just needing to avoid a mult-goal defeat to go through as group winners, they won’t have as much motivation to expend too much energy. So take the value with Juventus to return the favour and beat Barca away.

A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR () BETS ARE WORTH:
= €20 (Highly confident)	= €10 (CONFIDENT)	= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)

Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.

 

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