Xavi wary of Shakhtar Donetsk threat in vital Wednesday UCL tie

Barcelona manager Xavi has revealed that Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League tie against Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk at the Olympic Stadium in Barcelona is going to be a vital match with a lot of key points at stake.

Barcelona have won their last opening two games in the UEFA Champions League against FC Porto and Royal Antwerp, but beyond making the round of 16 slot one step closer, the Blaugrana need to navigate the match carefully with the El Clasico coming at the weekend in the La Liga.

However, Xavi admits that the Ukrainians won’t be easy meat, and their ability to play as a group makes them tough opponents while also touching on some of Barcelona’s injury worries ahead of the weekend.

“For us, it is a vital match. They are key points to move from a group. We have a difficult, dynamic, strong, and technically well-endowed rival. They play without fear; they go ahead without problems. We are warned: if we think it will be easy, we will have to lose. They are not one hundred percent, and that is why they are not on the list. The evolutions and the sensations will tell us: I am still optimistic that someone will reach the Clasico. Nothing has changed.” Xavi said.

Barcelona are currently at the top of Group H with maximum points without conceding at all in two group stage games. At the same time, Porto and Shakhtar Donetsk are second and third, respectively, with 3 points each. Belgian side Royal Antwerp are the only team yet to secure a point in two games.

Barcelona’s Full List: Ter Stegen, João Cancelo, Balde, R. Araujo, I. Martínez, Ferran, Iñaki Peña, João Félix, Christensen, Marcos A., Romeu, Gündoğan, Astralaga, Lamine Yamal, M. Casadó, Fermín, Cubarsí, Aleix Garrido, Marc Guiu and H. Fort.

Missing due to injury:

Kounde, Sergi Roberto, Raphinha, Frenkie de Jong, Pedri and Lewandowski.

Daniel Ademiju Idowu