Faced with a 2-0 deficit against AC Milan, Barcelona must achieve the one feat that has eluded it throughout its unprecedented run of titles - the major comeback.
Barcelona’s bid for a fourth Champions league title in eight years will be in the balance Tuesday when it hosts Milan in the second leg of the last 16.
The Spanish powerhouse has won 14 titles since 2008, including the Champions league in 2009 and 2011, but fell short in the semifinals against Inter Milan in 2010 and versus Chelsea last season after losing the first leg away.
Barcelona needs to rally at the Camp Nou against a young Milan team that is surging in Italy and looked hungrier and more physically fit than its opponents three weeks ago at the San Siro.
Milan also has history on its side. No team has ever rebounded from a two-goal loss in the first leg without having scored an away goal. “It’s the moment for this team to have a historic comeback,” said Barcelona defender Dani Alves. “We have had a long week working a lot on getting in top shape, and you can see it because we are recovering our defensive form. What has set us apart from other teams in recent years has been our ability to pressure. We had lost that a bit, but now we are getting it back.”
On Wednesday, 2012 runner-up Bayern Munich hosts Arsenal holding a commanding 3-1 lead from the first leg in london.
FC Porto visit Malaga on Tuesday looking to make good on its 1-0 victory thanks to a goal by Joao Moutinho, who is doubtful for the second game with a muscle strain.
Also Tuesday, German side Schalke hosts Galatasaray with a slim away-goal advantage after their first leg in Turkey ended 1-1.