Champions League: Barcelona breathes easy, Man City faces challenges

(NLDO) - The third round of the Champions League group stage promises to be very exciting, especially the match between Barcelona and Olympiakos at home and Man City visiting Villarreal.

Both teams are considered favourites, but the level of difficulty is not the same in the Champions League. The challenge is big but the success will be significant if Barcelona and Man City beat their opponents, proving the true form of the two title candidates.

Barcelona – Olympiakos (23:45 , October 21)

Before the October international break, Barcelona suffered a series of shocks. First was a home defeat to PSG in the Champions League group stage, and then a shocking 4-1 defeat to the not-so-strong Sevilla, the heaviest defeat since Hansi Flick took charge of the Catalan club.

Barcelona is missing many key players at this crucial time.

The pressure on coach Flick and his players is understandable as they all have to ensure the team returns to winning ways as quickly as possible. However, overcoming Girona in the Catalunya derby with a score not too different and an unconvincing style of play makes Barcelona's already difficult task even more difficult.

Pedri, Rashford will hold Barcelona's fate in the third round of the Champions League

Returning to the Champions League at this time is considered a big challenge for the La Liga giant. The opportunity to win all 3 points against the visiting team Olympiakos is not impossible for coach Hansi Flick and his team, the problem is whether they can show the mettle and class of a top candidate or not, besides promoting and taking advantage of all advantages when playing at home.

Despite their strong domestic form, Olympiakos have had a slow start in Europe. The Greek side have yet to win a game in the group stage and have often struggled away from home. Despite their disciplined play, the difference in speed, technique and ability to maintain pressure has made it difficult for Olympiakos to hold their own against a Barcelona side desperate for points.

Lamine Yamal is expected to regain his form soon.

Olympiakos drew goalless at home to weak Pafos in their opening game before losing 2-0 away to Arsenal. These results show their struggles to score goals at the highest level of European football. Visiting Catalonia after losing two of their last three away games will be a tough test for Olympiakos.

With home ground advantage and superior quality, Barcelona will likely dominate the game from the start and win all 3 points to consolidate their position in the group.

Prediction: Barcelona win 3-1

Villarreal – Man City (2 hours, October 22 )

After a stellar run in the Premier League, before and after the FIFA Days break, Man City are gearing up for an away game in Spain, despite the potential risks involved. Villarreal have had a slow start in the Champions League, but they have always been explosive at La Cerámica, where they have made many opponents sweat.

Man City determined to break away streak in Champions League

Villarreal are playing well again after a shaky start to the season. Under coach Marcelino, the team has regained its identity with disciplined defense, quick transitions and a willingness to press when the opportunity arises. At home, the "yellow submarine" is unbeaten in the last 5 matches in La Liga, not to mention holding Juventus to a draw recently in the Champions League group stage.

The pressure from La Cerámica has made it difficult for many strong teams, so Man City certainly cannot be complacent. Pep Guardiola's team seems to be still struggling to find a way to escape the haunting of the last 5 away games without a win in the Champions League, including 4 consecutive defeats against Real Madrid, PSG, Juventus and Sporting Lisbon!

Erling Haaland has scored eight goals in eight Champions League games against Spanish teams

According to experts, Pep Guardiola's team still has a clear advantage thanks to their stable performance and flexibility in operation. City has been unbeaten in the last 8 matches, including 6 wins, in all competitions and kept a clean sheet in 5 matches. The midfield control style, combined with the understanding between Foden, Doku and Haaland, helps them maintain the ability to explode at any time.

Nicolas Pepe spent a long time playing football in England.

Villarreal are capable of causing problems with their quick counter-attacks, but overall Man City are on another level. If they can keep control and capitalise on their opportunities, the visitors could leave Spain with another win to solidify their position at the top of the table.

Prediction: Man City win 2-1

Source: https://nld.com.vn/champions-league-barcelona-de-tho-man-city-doi-mat-thu-thach-196251021091810423.htm