Barcelona, on November 1 (BNA): The main points of the discussion before the fourth round of the Champions League group stage:
Barca problems
Barcelona are still without a replacement for sacked coach Ronald Koeman in the Group E match at Dynamo Kiev – and Gerard Pique and Sergio Aguero will be without injuries. Pique has a strain on his right calf, while Aguero is expected to remain in hospital for further cardiac tests after feeling dizzy before the break in the 1-1 draw at home against Alaves on Saturday. Barcelona have lost twice in a row in La Liga – including rivals Real Madrid at home – after beating Dinamo 1-0 to restore their chances of avoiding their first Champions League group stage exit in nearly two decades. Barcelona is third in the group.
Bayern’s defensive problem
Bayern Munich suddenly face defensive problems that must be resolved before visiting Benfica on Tuesday. The strong Bavarian team has conceded seven goals in its last two matches, including the 5-0 defeat it received from Borussia Mönchengladbach in the German Cup last Wednesday. This was Bayern’s biggest defeat in 43 years.
The team recovered by scoring five goals against Union Berlin on Sunday, although it conceded two more. Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has been busy in both games, blaming Bayern’s defenders. But there is nothing wrong with attacking and Robert Lewandowski will be keen to add 17 goals from 14 games in all competitions this season as Group E Bayern can book their place in the next round with a victory over second-placed Benfica.
Solskgear pressure
The immediate pressure on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer eased after he led Manchester United to a 3-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Saturday. The scrutiny over the coach’s future is sure to return if United cannot beat Atalanta on Tuesday, especially with the derby against Manchester City on Saturday.
United at least top Group F in the Champions League but with only six points from three matches, one point behind Villarreal who plays for Young Boys. Solskjaer will have to see if he sticks to the three-man defense and the attacking power of Cristiano Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani, who finished four games without a win in the Premier League. On the other side of Manchester, City suffered a surprise defeat at home to Crystal Palace in the Premier League before hosting Brugge. Pep Guardiola’s team is one point behind leaders Paris Saint-Germain in Group A.
Atletico pull
After conceding seven goals in three matches, Atletico Madrid’s defense consolidated a clean sheet in the 3-0 win over Real Betis in La Liga. The Spanish champions will need to maintain their strength at full-back as they head into Liverpool’s 3-2 loss to the Group B leaders in Madrid two weeks ago.
Milan Well
Inter Milan and AC Milan are looking for positive results in the Champions League to not only boost their chances of qualifying for the next round but also to put them in a good position ahead of the weekend’s derby in Serie A.
In the Champions League, it’s a different story for Milan, who have lost their first three matches in the competition for the first time in their history and badly need a home win against Porto in Group B. Move above the opponent with a win. In the other Group D match, Real Madrid will host Shakhtar Donetsk after winning 5-0 in Ukraine two weeks ago.
Fresh start Wolfsburg
New Wolfsburg coach Florian Kohfeldt has revitalized the team after just one match since taking charge of the team after Mark van Bommel was sent off. Saturday’s 2-0 win at Leverkusen ended their eight-game streak without a win. Attention now turns to a visit to Salzburg on Tuesday as Wolfsburg seek their first win in the competition – against the Group G leaders.
The group remains open with Salzburg leading by seven, followed by Sevilla with three, with Lille and Wolfsburg each with two. Seville hosts Lille in the other group match on Tuesday.
Training retreat
Juventus have reportedly gone to a training retreat after returning to their poor form in Serie A. and Hellas Verona. Massimiliano Allegri has already lost four of his first 11 Serie A matches at the start of his second spell in charge. Juventus didn’t finish fourth in such a humble start.
But in the Champions League, the story was different, and Juventus are preparing to face Zenit St Petersburg looking to maintain their perfect start in Group H.. with two matches to spare. European champions Chelsea meet with Malmo and sit behind Juventus in second place with three points.