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Barcelona will host Manchester United at the Camp Nou in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final clash tonight. It goes without saying that the match will affect the campaign of the two teams and remains the most anticipated fixture in the quarter-final stage of the Champions League this season.
The Red Devils need to win by a two-goal margin to progress, following their 1-0 loss in the first leg, while the Blaugrana will be hoping for another positive result after winning against Manchester United at Old Trafford for the first time in their history.
Barcelona will hope to keep going on their path to another historic treble, whereas the Champions League is the only trophy United can win this campaign. It goes without saying the Red Devils have improved a lot under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer but they might find it difficult to win at Nou Camp. Ernesto Valverde will be wary of United's ability to pull off a comeback, and all these points towards another thrilling encounter.
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Without further ado, let us take a look at three players who can take the centre stage and tip the balance in favour of their side.
#3 Luis Suarez
Many criticised the Uruguayan ace at the start of the season but Luis Suarez has shut all his critics up by performing in almost all the big matches this campaign. Despite losing a bit of his pace and agility up front, the 32-year-old has racked up 23 goals and 12 assists in all competitions in the current campaign.
Suarez is yet to open his mark in the Champions League this season but that won't be a relief to United. The Blaugrana striker played a huge part in Luke Shaw's own goal at Old Trafford and will be desperate to prove his naysayers wrong by popping up at the right time at the right place for his team.
There is no doubt that Suarez loves big occasions and tough opponents, and he has mastered the art of scoring in big matches. Most teams, including Real Madrid, will say the same.
#2 Paul Pogba
The French star dropped an average performance against Barcelona at Old Trafford which saw the likes of Scott McTominay dominate the headlines the next day. Amid rumours of Paul Pogba's desire to leave the club, the 26-year old will be desperate to show his calibre once again at the biggest stages.
After winning the World Cup, Pogba endured a tough few months under former United boss Jose Mourinho but Solskjaer's arrival managed to bring the best of out of the Frenchman. With 16 goals and 11 assists in all competitions, Pogba has proven himself to be an asset and one of the best players in the Premier League.
On his day, Pogba remains one of the players who can shape the tie with his ability to dominate proceedings at the centre of the park. Against a team like Barcelona, the midfield battle is always a key part and if United can pull off the herculean task, Pogba will surely play a significant part.
#1 Lionel Messi
A list like this is incomplete without Lionel Messi, who is by far the best player in the current campaign. The Argentine genius has racked up 33 goals in the La Liga and 8 goals in the Champions League, thereby being the highest goalscorer in both these competitions.
Messi has also been involved in a staggering 64 goals (43 goals, 21 assists) for Barcelona in all competitions, which depicts how good he has been this season.
The 31-year-old had a bit of a shaky night at Old Trafford. Messi had a part to play in the own-goal but he reportedly had breathing problems after a clash with Chris Smalling left him with a bloody nose. The Blaugrana captain ended the match without scoring and is enduring a goalscoring drought at the quarter-final stages in the Champions League.
But Messi will be desperate to give Barcelona an advantage and lead from the front as he has done so many times this campaign. There is no doubt that he is the biggest threat to Solskjaer's side and United' biggest task will be to stop him if they want to qualify to the semis.
