UEFA Champions League 2018-19: Four talking points as Barcelona face Liverpool at Camp Nou

Some claim that this is the tie of the season and two mouthwatering legs await us. Both teams are in red hot form at present. While Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez have been dismantling defences in the La Liga, the frontline of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino, and Mohamed Salah have been in a league of their own. Each club can also boast of having the best centre-backs in their respective leagues with Gerard Pique and Virgil Van Dijk. Let us not forget the extra layer of solidity in goalkeepers Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Alisson Becker.

Barcelona have all the confidence needed heading into this fixture after they claimed a second consecutive La Liga title and their eighth in 11 years. They will take on Valencia in the Copa del Rey final later this month. With La Liga done and dusted, Barelona can solely focus on the UCL right now. The hunt for the treble is still on, which would be their third since 2008, a remarkable feat considering that it had only been achieved three times in the first 40 years of European football.

Last year Champions League finalists Liverpool are a whole different team right now. They are locked in a head-to-head battle with Manchester City for the Premier League, which would be their first since 1990. They look much stronger and more complete under former Borussia Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp.

Liverpool surpassed the 100-goal mark in all competitions last weekend while Barcelona did it back in February. Neither team would have wanted to be drawn against each other before the final. The Reds can hurt Barcelona with their high intensity and fearsome frontline as Barcelona have been shaky in defence during the season. But if this season is anything to go by, Barcelona reserve their best for the best.

So can Liverpool stop Messi from bringing the elusive trophy which he had promised to bring back to the Camp Nou? Here are some of the talking points before the big clash.

#1 Klopp's gegenpressing vs Barcelona's Tiki-Taka

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp

Yes, they do not play the same way as they did in the Pep Guardiola era but that is understandable considering that they have no Xavi or an Iniesta within their ranks anymore. But the Tiki-Taka is their legacy. Valverde is a bit more pragmatic in his approach compared to his predecessors but with Lionel Messi around, Barcelona still play one of the most impressive brands of football.

FC Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde

But if there is any manager or club that could hurt this Barcelona, it is Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool. With Klopp's gegenpressing, Liverpool would be counting on their front three to run the show at the Camp Nou. After all, Liverpool are the only English side to beat the Catalans in Spain.

#2 When the Unstoppable force Lionel Messi takes on the Immovable object Virgil Van Dijk

Virgil Van Dijk is the latest PFA Winner

It does not get bigger than this. Newly crowned PFA Winner and centre-back Virgil Van Dijk will take on newly crowned La Liga champion Lionel Messi. It is a duel that nobody could afford to miss. Spain's top goalscorer, top assister, and top dribbler Messi will have his hands full against the towering Dutch, who has yet to be dribbled past this season in the Premier League and the UCL.

Lionel Messi and co. claimed the La Liga title last weekend

The last time Van Dijk visited the Camp Nou in 2013, things didn't end well as his old club Celtic were beaten 6-1. A lot has changed in the last six years and if there is any battle that could decide this tie. It is the battle between these two icons.

#3 Liverpool's flying full-backs

Liverpool left-back Andrew Robertson

Neither Trent Alexander-Arnold nor Andrew Robertson have the star power of the frontline but the flying full-backs of Liverpool could play a vital role in this tie. With 24 assists between them in all competitions, the full-backs are pivotal figures in Klopp's gegenpressing.

Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold

Robertson may have to deal with Messi from time to time as the Argentine usually starts from the right but when Messi drifts to the centre, the Scottish left-back will have to be at his peak as his runs up and down the flanks will give Sadio Mane the freedom to move infield.

#4 Mohamed Salah vs Jordi Alba

Mohamed Salah vs Jordi Alba

It does not get faster than this. Two of the fastest players in their respective positions will lock horns. Salah has found his goalscoring form in recent weeks as he leads the charts for the Premier League golden boot with 21 goals, one ahead of Sergio Aguero and teammate Sadio Mane.

Jordi Alba is a left-back who loves to bomb forward, which would leave Mo in acres of space. With 14 assists to his name, both Mo and Alba would have to think twice before they make their runs. It will be interesting to see if Alba forgoes his natural tendencies and link-up with Messi to keep Mo in check.