APOEL vs Barcelona preview - Enrique's warning for Barcelona - 7M sport

APOEL vs Barcelona preview - Enrique's warning for Barcelona



Posted Tuesday, November 25, 2014 by PA

Barcelona coach Luis Enrique has warned his players they can again expect APOEL to close ranks at the back when the two sides meet in Champions League Group F on Tuesday.

The Cypriots caused a great deal of frustration for Barca on matchday one as Luis Enrique's men sneaked a 1-0 win at the Nou Camp, although performances have improved since then and back-to-back wins over Ajax have assured the Catalan club of a top-two finish and a place in the knockout stages.

APOEL's status in the group is less uncertain, however, as they battle it out with Ajax for third spot and a place in the Europa League.

And Luis Enrique knows the hosts will do their utmost to keep a clean sheet as they continue to search for a first win in the group.

"We expect a similar game to that which was played in the opening round of matches," said the Barca coach on the club's website.

"I expect them to behave defensively as they did before, giving away very little space which always creates problems.

"One of their strengths is that they concede so few goals. They are very good in defence and that will make things very difficult to get a clear shot on goal."

Barca are in a tussle with Paris St Germain for top spot in the group, with the French club currently leading the way by a single point ahead of their meeting with Ajax on Tuesday.

However, Luis Enrique is only concerned by their own results, and said: "We need the points to finish first, that is our priority. APOEL are the obstacle we have to overcome and only then will we look at what happens in the other match."

APOEL are not expected to take any points from the encounter with Barca, despite having home advantage at the GSP Stadium in Nicosia.

Yet veteran forward Gustavo Manduca feels the occasion of facing the four-time Champions League winners is one that should be embraced by everyone connected with the Cypriot club.

"This is the best game of the year," the Brazilian told uefa.com. "We are all proud and happy that we will be facing such a team with great players here in Cyprus.

"Both players and fans need to enjoy this occasion. We know that we have to work hard, to run a lot and to be very organised. But this is a game where three points are up for grabs and, with all due respect to our opponents, we want to spring a surprise and be the ones to take them."

Barca will travel to the Mediterranean island without injured duo Thomas Vermaelen (hamstring) and Andres Iniesta (calf).



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