Losing a two goal lead for a second time will be unacceptable for the Spanish giants in the Barcelona vs Arsenal live stream commentary thus defending properly will be a priority. While defending has never been their forte, the Spanish champions are better than that. Manager Pep Guardiola might have preferred to focus on his team’s brilliant first half display. But there is no doubt that he would have been concerned with the loss of concentration. With Puyol and Pique suspended for the second leg, there is a greater need to play with strong focus. A few more mistakes could let Arsenal back into the tie even though they have largely played second fiddle to Barcelona.
Arsenal will count themselves lucky to still be in the tie despite having been comprehensively outplayed at the Emirates Stadium. It was not only a lesson in class and football passing for the spectactors, but also for the Gunners. Rarely have the Premier League club been in such a situation as they are usually the ones playing the great football against other teams. They would not want to remember the experience for long. It was difficult for the Arsenal players to get hold of the ball as Barcelona kept constant possession. The Gunners were also outshot decisively but the end result matters the most. And that is where they are still in with a chance at two goals apiece.
The problem with injuries has afflicted both teams. Barcelona will also have to deal with player suspension as their main central defensive partnership will have to sit out the match. The scorer of both their goals at the Emirates Stadium – Ibrahimovic – is a clear injury concern in the buildup. The Swede has picked up a calf injury. Arsenal are in a real muddle with most of their first team players out through fitness woes. Central to their hopes is skipper Fabregas but the Spaniard is out for the rest of the season. They have not had any respite in other areas. Their best strikers in Robin Van Persie and Andrei Arshavin are not available for the club’s most important match at this point. The defence will also be weakened with William Gallas unavailable due to a recurrence of his calf injury. Can both teams still put on a show despite crippling injuries and personnel issues?