It appears that FCB found their form at the perfect time, winning all games since the draw against FC Sion on 25th October. Recent success explains Coach Paulo Sousa’s optimism ahead of the clash against Real Madrid.: “It is going to be a different match to that at the Bernabeu. We have grown closer together as a team. I am very happy with our recent development and strongly believe that we have the ability to achieve a positive result against Real Madrid.” The Spanish guests are in top form, winning their last 14 games, scoring a tremendous number of goals.  Despite  both Raphaël Varane and Carlo Ancelotti commenting that they have no interest in breaking records, there is a good chance that Real Madrid will win their 15th consecutive game and break their club record; an extra motivation for Madrid. It will be a big challenge for FCB even if Real will be missing both Sami Khedira and Luca Modric.

The quick, Spanish counter attacks caused problems for FCB at Bernabeu. “Three of the 5 conceded goals were results of counter attacks. My players need to make the right decisions on the pitch in order to prevent counter attacks, as Real has genuine quality” stated FCB coach Sousa in a pre-match interview.

A positive result against Real could mean a lot. Even a draw can be considered as a success, especially as Madrid has won all of their Champions League matches so far. Paulo Sousa clearly stated that his goal is a victory: “We always want to win. Everything needs to go our way on the night and we need to show a great performance in order to be successful.”

„We want to win“

A positive result against Real could mean a lot. Even a draw can be considered as a success, especially as Madrid has won all of their Champions League matches so far. Paulo Sousa clearly stated that his goal is a victory: “We always want to win. Everything needs to go our way on the night and we need to show a great performance in order to be successful.”

Derlis González celebrated success during the first leg fixture, scoring the only goal for FCB. González described how he felt on the night: “It was a dream come true to score against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu, especially as it was my Champions League debut. As we want to collect three points against Real, it’s my aim to be on the scorers list once again.”

The game is of greater importance for both teams

Both coaches, Carlo Ancelotti and Paulo Sousa agree that although Real Madrid is already qualified for the next round, they will not be taking it easy at St. Jakob Park. “Madrid was in a similar position during last year’s Champions League campaign when they faced Galatasaray Istanbul. Despite many changes in Madrid’s team, the Spanish side won clearly.” stated the FCB coach. Ancelotti stated:” Our aim is to win the group”.

The current Group B situation alone is a reason for anticipation, never mind the additional promise in the name Real Madrid. The highlight of the year waits at Basel’s St. Jakob Park.  1350 kilometres further east, from the city of Basel a match will be played which may have an impact on Basel’s outlook towards to last 16 stage of the UEFA Champions League. In Sofia, Ludogorets Razgrad will face Liverpool. The result of the fixture in Bulgaria will influence the value of any points Basel may collect on the night. No matter what the result against Real Madrid, FCB chances to qualify for the last 16 stage of the Champions League will remain intact.