Luis Enrique's Barcelona will look to record their first win of the Champions League group stage campaign at home to Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday. The Catalan outfit were held by Roma despite dominating their opening game away at the Stadio Olimpico, and will still be reeling from the stunning 4-1 defeat they suffered to Celta de Vigo in La Liga in midweek. Though the defending champions are doubtless the stronger of these sides, Barça still haven't clicked into gear yet.
Bayer Leverkusen certainly haven't been perfect this season either, but they did meet expectations in their first European fixture, thrashing Belarusian outfit BATE 4-1. They've also strung together a couple of consecutive wins in the Bundesliga, with a convincing 3-0 victory over Werder Bremen the springboard off which they head into this fixture. They're probably as confident now as they'll ever be heading into a game at the Camp Nou.
Upset potential: Medium
Bayer Leverkusen coach Roger Schmidt has earned a reputation as one of the most capable and progressive coaches in the Bundesliga, with his side's intelligent pressing game helping them to dominate the game both with and without the ball -- at least, when it functions properly. That, combined with Barcelona's recent struggles and an injury to Lionel Messi, means that an upset at the Camp Nou certainly isn't out of the question.
When they last met: Barcelona 7-1 Bayer Leverkusen, 7 March 2012
Bayer Leverkusen will be doing all they can to banish the memories of their last visit to Barcelona in the knockout stages three years ago. They headed into the match trailing 3-1 on aggregate, meaning they needed to throw caution to the wind. They did, and with spectacular results. Robin Dutt's side fell victim to a Lionel Messi masterclass, with the Argentine scoring five goals in a 7-1 victory. Barça went on to lose to eventual champions Chelsea in the semi-final.
Barcelona injuries and suspensions
Out: Lionel Messi, Rafinha (knee). In doubt: Claudio Bravo, Thomas Vermaelen (calf).
Bayer Leverkusen injuries and suspensions
Out: Charles Aránguiz (achilles), Ömer Toprak, Tin Jedvaj (thigh), Roberto Hilbert (knee). In doubt: None.
Barcelona will be without Lionel Messi and Rafinha who have medium- and long-term knee problems respectively. Claudio Bravo and Thomas Vermaelen could both join them in the stands with calf problems. Bayer Leverkusen will miss midfielder Charles Aránguiz and defenders Ömer Toprak, Tin Jedvaj and Roberto Hilbert.
Match Date/Time: Tuesday, 2:45 p.m. ET, 8:45 p.m. local
Venue: Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain
TV: Fox Sports 1 (U.S. - English), ESPN Deportes (U.S. - Spanish), RDS, TSN4 (Canada), BT Sport Extra (U.K.)
Online: Fox Soccer 2Go, Fox Sports Go, WatchESPN (U.S.), BT Sport Live Streaming (U.K.)