Monday, 17th February, 2014
Barcelona can have no better opportunity to break down a rampant Manchester City side than the present, according to Gerardo Martino, as Champions League action returns to Europe.
Martino's side travel to the Etihad Stadium tomorrow for the first knockout round, with Barcelona on a high after their 6-0 thrashing of Rayo Vallecano.
mobile ad
That game also saw Lionel Messi overtake Real Madrid legend Alfredo Di Stefano as the third-highest goalscorer in La Liga.
And with Neymar also scoring on his return from injury, the stars, Martino claims, are aligning themselves firmly in Catalunya's favour.
relatedNewsStory
"It is probably the best moment we could have hoped for to face the challenge of the last 16 of the Champions League, independent of the opponent we face," he was quoted on FIFA.com as saying.
"Especially physically, it is a bonus to have everyone available and in very good shape.
"Both teams defend themselves with the ball, so whoever manages the ball better will have more chances to win. In this sense both teams are quite similar, they always try be proactive.
"If we can keep the ball for more time then we will reduce the chances they have and give ourselves a better opportunity."
Don't bet on football until you've visited Inside Bet! Interesting markets, top tips, betting facts – get all the info before you bet.
