Today, FC Barcelona will welcome English Premier League title contenders and 5-tine European champions - Liverpool FC, to the Camp Nou. Luis Suarez will play against his former side once again, after the 2015 Charity game. Memories will begin to be recalled, notably when the then Liverpool skipper, Steven Gerrard slipped off the ball, allowing Demba Ba to slot in a goal that denied the Reds of becoming EPL champions. Nevertheless, it's all in the spirit of the game. PFA Players' Player of the Year award winner, Virgil Van dijk will be tasked with marking out Barça superstar, Lionel Messi. With just 20 goals conceded in 36 league games, Van dijk has proved to be a defensive mountain. All thanks to his calmness and ability to read the game. Messi helped his club to claim a consecutive La Liga title last weekend, after he registered 34 goals in 32 Liga matches. The Barça attack maestro has played against some of the best defenders in the history of the game - John Terry, Nemanja Vidic, Sergio Ramos, Lucio, Alessandro Nesta.... the list goes on and on. Hope you know what that means? The Reds boast of a strong 3-man front line in the likes of Sadio Mane, Firminho and Mo' Salah. Throughout the season, Barça has relied much on Messi's magical brilliance, as seen in previous seasons. Like Sinusoidal waves, Luis Suarez's performance of late has recalled for a replacement for the Uruguayan international; with age telling on his side. The goalkeepers of both teams have been impressive between the goal posts. Question is, Can Gerrard Pique and Lenglet's partnership pose a problem to Mane, Firminho or Mo?
Though some fans argue that the game between these two heavyweights is more/less the final of this season's UCL tournament. However, the contest for the Ballon d'Or award remains a "Survival of the fittest" between Van dijk and Leo Meesi.
... Still on the road to the Wanda Metropolitano stadium, come June 1st.