Lionel Messi
It is impossible to consider the impact Barcelona can have on the contest without isolating the indisputable status of Messi as the orchestrator of the overall team dynamic.
The Argentine will operate in his now customary roving role, with licence to seek space in behind Xabi Alonso and Sami Khedira, but just in front of the back four. It is where he produces his best work, and it also allows him to be in close proximity to Xavi and Andres Iniesta in order to create passing triangles, all the while probing for that precious yard in order to fire a shot at goal.
Be wary of the counter
This Madrid team have a front four that can be utterly devastating on the counter-attack. Cristiano Ronaldo’s strike against Athletic Bilbao from jornada 12 was a principal example of their pace on the break; the attack was born from a corner for the visitors and three passes later, CR7 had drilled a shot into the bottom corner.
They have been ruthless, clinical, and there are numerous complications involved in tracking players as technically gifted as Oezil, Di Maria, and of course, Ronaldo.
What Pep Guardiola is unquestionably aware of is how their pace can exploit the offensive nature of his own full-backs. Should Dani Alves and Maxwell (who is likely to play on the left) be stranded up the pitch, only Sergio Busquets is available as cover to the centre halves.
Whilst Pep is unlikely to change his philosophy based on the threats posed by the opposition, by requesting a more disciplined performance from his wide defenders, he provides insurance against an incisive counter - one that Mourinho’s side will unquestionably be searching for.
Whilst Pep is unlikely to change his philosophy based on the threats posed by the opposition, by requesting a more disciplined performance from his wide defenders, he provides insurance against an incisive counter - one that Mourinho’s side will unquestionably be searching for.
It is a relatively simple concept, but one that has proven incredibly complex to obstruct, as shown by his blistering recent form. Indeed, it could be argued that the only team that succeeded was Inter, and of course Jose Mourinho, in last seasons Champions League.
The 23-year-old has never netted against a team coached by the Portuguese tactician, and a match of this magnitude would be the perfect occasion for him to break that run. Messi is predictably unpredictable; his impulsiveness and creativity are fundamental to unlocking what is likely to be a cagey affair.
Its four now but Barcelona could make four but I thought that cause jose mourinho's men as so much in form especially the Hitman Christiano Ronaldo,check out the details of the four straight victory in the favour of Barcelona.
Barcelona's Four In A Row 
13 December 2008
Barcelona 2-0 Real Madrid
(Eto'o, Messi)
2 May 2009
Real Madrid 2-6 Barcelona
(Higuian, Ramos) (Henry (2), PuyolMessi (2), Pique)
29 November 2009
Barcelona 1-0 Real Madrid
(Ibrahimovic)
10 April 2010
Real Madrid 0-2 Barcelona
(Messi, Pedro)
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