Barcelona (AP) – “Més que un club” and a star ensemble on the one hand. “In the heart of Europe” and up to 30,000 guest fans on the other side.
Today’s duel FC Barcelona against Eintracht Frankfurt (9 p.m. / Sky) promises much more explosiveness and excitement than a usual quarter-finals in the Europa League. There was repeated talk of a “game of the century” for the Hessians, the Catalans are doomed to win at least in the second largest European competition after the undignified Champions League exit.
The favorite role:
Lies with the hosts from Barcelona despite the weak first leg. The 1-1 a week ago was rather lucky for Barça. But this time there should be no excuses, according to former world-class footballer and current head coach Xavi Hernandez. “We can no longer put it on the pitch. We have to be better at football and can’t allow ourselves to lose so much turnover,” said the Spaniard. But Eintracht also presented itself boldly and aggressively.
The trainers:
It’s Xavi’s first season as head coach of the Catalans. What it means to be responsible for FC Barcelona, he said at the press conference on Wednesday. “We all know this club very well. It’s the most difficult club in the world, the most demanding club. We have a duty to win and to play well.” Before the start of the season, Oliver Glasner had to justify why he left the Champions League club in Wolfsburg for Frankfurt – he no longer has to.
The staff:
At Barcelona it will be decided at short notice whether defender Gerard Piqué is fit again after his adductor injury in the first leg. Dutch star striker Memphis Depay is available again and was explicitly named as an option by Xavi. Eintracht have to do without defender Tuta because he was sent off in the first leg with a yellow card. Possible representatives are Almamy Touré or veteran Makoto Hasebe, who would then move to the center of the back three. According to Glasner, whether midfielder Djibril Sow can play will be decided at short notice.
The fans factor:
Up to 95,000 fans are allowed in the football temple. But whether the Spanish world club can really expect a home game atmosphere remains to be seen. “I’m 100 percent convinced that our boys create a better atmosphere and are much louder than the Barça fans!” Sporting director Markus Krösche told the “Bild-Zeitung”.
Kevin Trapp also registers what Eintracht fans are taking on. “You have the feeling that there is only one topic at the moment. You only get asked about it – no matter by whom. We also appreciate it,” said the Eintracht goalkeeper. Trapp associates very special memories with the Camp Nou. In 2017 he lost 6-1 with Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League – not even the 4-0 win in the first leg was enough. This time Trapp wants to celebrate in the special stadium himself and not watch others cheer again.