XtraTime Web Desk: The all awaited Quarter Final 1st leg clash between Manchester United and FC Barcelona is all set to enthrall the football fans across the globe tonight. Here goes some key clashes which can become the deciding factors.Messi vs Smalling
Trolled mercilessly on social media by even his own fans for his ‘Bring it on!’ statement when quizzed on the prospect of facing Lionel Messi, the battle between the two might indeed be the one that decides which way the tie swings.
However, squaring off against the game’s best ever presents a completely different challenge altogether.
Pogba vs Busquets
Amongst the only 3 surviving members of the squad that demolished United at Wembley in 2011, Busquets will look to replicate the performance he put in against Sir Alex’s United that fateful day and make it another memorable occasion for the Barcelona faithful.
Coutinho vs De Gea
Deployed frequently on the left of Barcelona’s attack, it is safe to say Coutinho hasn’t exactly set the stage alight since his move from Liverpool to Catalonia.
There have been flashes of brilliance but the maturity to take over from Iniesta seems a step too far for the Brazilian at the moment. He is no stranger to scoring against United, however, and his battles against David De Gea are the stuff of folklore.
The Spanish shot-stopper was the victim of Coutinho’s magic when he was lobbed over by the former Liverpool forward in the Europa League but also has the same Coutinho to thank for some of his most spectacular saves. Needless to say, both of them will be relishing the chance to square up against each other once again!
Martial vs Sergi Roberto