Barcelona welcomed BATE Borisov to Camp Nou on Wednesday knowing that three points could see them book their spot in the knockout round of the Champions League with two Group E games to spare.
The Catalan outfit entered the interval with a 1-0 lead courtesy of a 30th-minute penalty from Neymar.
Luis Suarez then doubled the home side's lead on the hour, before Neymar scored his second in the 83rd minute.
There would be no automatic qualification on the night, however, with Roma beating Bayer Leverkusen 3-2 in Rome.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Sports Mole's live Champions League coverage continues from Camp Nou as Barcelona welcome BATE Borisov. The hosts could qualify tonight with two games to spare if they win and Roma do not beat Bayer Leverkusen, but BATE have their own ambitions of qualification, with the Belarusian side currently just one point off second-place Leverkusen. Let's hope for an entertaining game tonight!
These two teams met as recently as the 2011-12 season, when they were drawn into the same group in this particular competition. BATE will not have fond memories of the double-header, however, with Barcelona putting nine goals past the Belarusian team. The pair also met little over two weeks ago in Belarus and it was Barcelona that recorded a comfortable 2-0 win. Can BATE gain revenge tonight?
Right, without further ado, let me bring you the team news from Spain...
TEAMS:
BARCA: Ter Stegen; Alves, Mascherano, Vermaelen, Adriano; Busquets, Roberto, Rakitic; Iniesta, Suarez, Neymar
BATE: Chernik; Polyakov, Gaiduchik, Milunovic, Mladenovic; A.Volodko, Yablonski, Gordeichuk; Stasevich, Mozolevski, M.Volodko
So there we have it. Barcelona boss Luis Enrique has made changes this evening, with Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Thomas Vermaelen and Adriano among those coming into the XI. There is also a start for Andres Iniesta and the skipper is expected to operate in a forward position alongside Neymar and Luis Suarez. Gerard Pique is named on the bench, while Jordi Alba and Munir El-Haddadi are also in reserve.
As for BATE, they will once again operate in a 4-3-3 formation, with 30-year-old Belarusian Dzmitry Mozolevski leading the line with support from Maksim Volodko and Ihar Stasevich. The vastly-experienced Alyaksandr Volodko will captain the team from the middle of the park, but former Barcelona midfielder Aleksandr Hleb is only among the substitutes for the Belarusian outfit tonight.
So there we have it. The teams are in and we are now little under 45 minutes from kickoff at Camp Nou. In truth, Barcelona are the overwhelming favourites to triumph this evening and it would take something special for BATE to claim a famous result. Shocks can and do happen, however, and the away side's supporters will have travelled in hope of seeing a scalp. Be sure to stay with me!
The omens are not exactly great for BATE this evening, with Barcelona winning 11 of their last 12 home games in the Champions League. The last time that the Catalan outfit were beaten at Camp Nou in Europe was in May 2013, when Bayern Munich were famously 3-0 winners in the quarter-finals.
Barcelona opened their Group E campaign with a 1-1 draw in Roma, before beating Leverkusen 2-1 to move onto four points in the section. They were then comfortable winners away to BATE last time out. Despite sitting top of the group, it would be fair to say that the reigning champions have not yet shown their best form in the early part of the competition, although Lionel Messi's absence is a big part of that.
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The loss of Messi at the end of September has altered their playing style, but Suarez and Neymar have both thrived in Messi's absence. Since losing 2-1 at Sevilla before the last international break, Barcelona have won four of their last five games in all competitions and will enter this match off the back of a 2-0 win over Getafe last time out, where Suarez and Neymar were both on the scoresheet.
The Spanish giants have already lost twice in La Liga this season, but eight wins have seen them join Real Madrid at the summit on 24 points. They are currently entering a crucial period of the season, however, with Villarreal to come at the weekend before a trip to Real Madrid after the international break.
Barcelona are also looking to qualify for the knockout stage of the Champions League for a 12th season in a row and it would be a major surprise if that was not achieved. As mentioned, victory tonight would see them qualify with two games to spare if Roma do not beat Leverkusen.
As for BATE, they are seeking their first away win in this season's competition. The Belarusian outfit lost 4-1 at Leverkusen in their opening Group E match and also failed to win in three matches during qualification. Their sole win in this group was a 3-2 success over Roma at the end of September.
All of BATE's focus can also be put into the Champions League after they secured their tenth successive Belarusian title with a 2-0 win over FC Vitebsk on October 16. They have won each of their two league games since claiming the title, however, and will enter this clash off the back of a 1-0 success away to Dinamo Brest. BATE are a team that are used to winning football matches.
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BATE did not make it into the group stages of the 2013-14 competition, but the Belarusian champions qualified for the 2014-15 season and also edged their way through the qualifying rounds this term. Back in July, they overcame Dundalk over two legs, before beating Videoton to book their spot in the playoffs. Partizan would have fancied their chances of progressing from that tie, but BATE made it through on aggregate. As a result, they are now locking horns with the biggest teams in Europe once again.
BATE will also enter this match having lost on each of their five visits to Spain, while they have only won one of their last 13 away games in the Champions League. It is often said that no games at this level are straight-forward, but Barcelona really should have far too much for their opponents tonight.
A point for BATE tonight, however, would leave them in a decent position in the group. Their penultimate Group E match is at home to Leverkusen later this month and victory in that one would leave the supporters dreaming of making the round of 16. As it stands, it is Italian giants Roma that are the Group E strugglers having picked up just two points from their three games to date.
Not long to go before to kick-off! #FCBBATE https://t.co/t45zd8nhov
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 4, 2015
PREDICTION! I am finding it very, very difficult to predict anything other than a comfortable home win this evening. It is far from Barcelona's strongest XI, but they should have far too much for BATE, who struggled in the reverse match two weeks ago. My score prediction is Barcelona 3-0 BATE in Spain.
Here we go then - both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first 45 minutes of action. The home supporters will expect their team to put on a show this evening and anything other than a comfortable Barcelona victory would be a surprise. It is up to BATE to upset the form book in Spain this evening.
KICKOFF! I shall also keep you up-to-speed with what is happening in Group E's other fixture, which will decide whether Barcelona qualify tonight with a win. Right, the pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. It is the hosts that get the first period underway here...
... BATE have never scored a Champions League goal against Barcelona, but they might fancy their chances of breaching what is an understrength back-line tonight. Indeed, Maksim Volodko breaks through on the Barcelona goal inside two minutes, but the offside flag was raised by the linesman.
As expected, Barcelona have had more of the ball in the early exchanges, but BATE have shown a willingness to commit players forward each time they break. We could be in for an interesting game.
CHANCE! Barcelona come close to opening the scoring as Neymar delivers a super ball into Suarez, who advances into the BATE box, but his poked effort is wide of the post. Might have done better!
BATE threaten down the other end as Stasevich drills a low cross between A.Volodko, but Mascherano is on hand to make the block. Roma, meanwhile, have gone 1-0 ahead against Leverkusen.
Barcelona have a free kick in a dangerous position as Milunovic fells Neymar...
... Neymar takes control of the set piece, but his effort was always moving over the crossbar. Barcelona are in control of matters in Spain as they continue to pass and probe in the final third.
It is almost like a training exercise at the moment as Barcelona continue to pass and probe in the final third, with BATE defending for their lives. It is going to be a very tough evening for Mozolevski, who is leading the line for the visitors. He could well go 15, 20 minutes without touching the ball here!
As you would expect, Barcelona are having all of the possession at Camp Nou, but BATE have thus far been able to repel the pressure. There are seven, eight yellow shirts just sitting outside the away side's box, which is making it difficult for the Spanish giants to find that elusive pass. Still goalless in Spain.
CHANCE! Another chance for the home side as Neymar advances one-on-one into the BATE box, but goalkeeper Chernik is quick off his line to deny the Brazilian. Super goalkeeping there!
Now then, free kick for BATE just outside the Barca box as Vermaelen fells Gordeichuk...
... SAVE! Stasevich strikes towards goal, but Ter Stegen beats the ball away.
Barcelona resume their passing game in the final third, with Neymar running the show in a central position. BATE have been nice and solid thus far, however, as they continue to close the space.
Barcelona are going to be forced into an early change here as Rakitic pulls up.
BARCELONA SUB! Munir El-Haddadi replaces the injured Rakitic.
Pass, pass, pass from Barcelona as they continue to look for space in the final third, but it has been fairly comfortable for BATE in the opening 22 minutes, with goalkeeper Chernik only really called into action to claim a through pass which was gathered by Neymar. So far, so good for the visitors here.
Mozolevski has been a willing runner in the opening 24 minutes, but the forward simply has no support and is chasing lost causes at the moment. Barcelona's defence continue to step forward and a pass from Mascherano finds Neymar, but the Brazilian's low strike was always straight into Chernik's arms.
You just get the feeling that BATE need to score the first goal tonight if they are to stand a chance of claiming a positive result. You have to think that Barcelona will eventually find a way though here.
CLOSE! Barcelona come close to making the breakthrough as Suarez feeds a super cross towards Munir, but Milunovic is across at the vital moment to make the clearance. Strong defending there!
It is going to have to be an evening of patience for Barcelona as they continue to pass and probe in the final third. It is not great to watch, but BATE are nice and tight at the back as we enter the latter stages of the first period. Neymar has been the main creator for Barcelona thus far, which is not a surprise.
Munir brings a wonderful save from Chernik, but the striker was in an offside position.
BARCELONA PENALTY!
BOOKING! Mladenovic (BATE) is booked and Barcelona have a penalty as the defender is adjudged to have pulled Munir to the ground inside the box. There was a clear tug on the forward!
GOAL! Barcelona 1-0 BATE (Neymar, pen)
Barcelona make the breakthrough in the 30th minute as Neymar cooly rolls his effort straight down the middle. BATE's resistance has been broken and the floodgates might well open at Camp Nou here.
BATE have the chance to threaten as Mozolevski breaks through on goal, but Ter Stegen is quick off his line to clear the danger. Barcelona advance down the other end moments later, but Roberto's cross is just too strong and the visitors manage to clear. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining.
Alves has a problem for Barcelona here after taking a strong challenge from Gaiduchik.
POST! Barcelona come close to scoring a second as Adriano drives into the BATE box before attempting to poke one past Chernik, but his effort hits the outside of the post! Very close!
I am not sure about Neymar's choice of head-wear this evening, but he is once again running the show at Camp Nou. BATE have had bits and pieces in the final third, but Barcelona deserve their lead with little over five minutes of the first period remaining. Alves, meanwhile, is back with us on the field.
Half-chance for the home side as Suarez manages to find space inside the box before poking one towards goal, but Milunovic is on hand to make the block. Down the other end, Stasevich fires a low cross into the Barcelona box, but Ter Stegen is on hand to claim. Still 1-0 Barcelona on the night.
Messi and Turan are currently having a nice chat in the stands as Barcelona continue to move the ball in the latter stages of this first period. Worth remembering that Turan will be available from January!
BOOKING! Mozolevski (BATE) is booked for a foul on Busquets.
Alves fires wide of the post after finding space outside the BATE box.
Another half-chance for Barcelona late in the half, but Neymar heads Alves's cross over.
HALF-TIME: Barcelona 1-0 BATE
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with Barcelona leading 1-0 courtesy of a 30th-minute penalty from Neymar, who has been brilliant thus far tonight. BATE have had their moments on the counter, but there is no question that the hosts deserve to be ahead at this stage.
STATS! Barcelona have dominated the possession with 71%, while they have had eight attempts, two of which were on target. As for BATE, they have hit the target with two of their three attempts. Two yellow cards, meanwhile, both for the visitors, with Mladenovic and Mozolevski in the book.
BENCH WATCH! Barcelona have already been forced into one change, with Munir replacing the injured Rakitic in the 20th minute. However, Enrique still has the likes of Alba, Pique and Sandro in reserve tonight. As for BATE, head coach Yermakovich might well look to former Barca midfielder Hleb here.
RESTART! Here we go then - both sets of players re-join us on the pitch for the second period. Can BATE get back into the match? It will be tough! The visitors get the second 45 minutes underway...
... no changes from either manager at the break, which is not too much of a surprise. However, I suspect that both bosses will have alterations in mind if the score remains 1-0 for the next 15, 20 minutes at Camp Nou. In truth, another for Barcelona quite probably ends this game as a contest.
Half-chance for BATE as Gordeichuk heads towards goal, but it is comfortable for Ter Stegen.
Half-chance for Barcelona this time as Iniesta pokes a low pass into the path of Munir, but the forward is just beaten to the ball by Chernik. Elsewhere, Leverkusen have one goal back against Roma, who now lead 2-1 in Rome. As it stands, Barcelona would not actually qualify for the next round tonight.
Stasevich goes down inside the Barcelona box under pressure from Adriano, but the referee is not interested. I am not sure that is so different to the Barcelona penalty that was given!
CHANCES! Again it is Neymar who sets up an opportunity for a teammate, but Iniesta's strike is blocked for a corner, before Chernik comes across to deny Suarez. Should be 2-0!
BOOKING! Alves (Barcelona) is booked for a late challenge on Mladenovic.
End-to-end football in the last couple of minutes, with BATE making their presence known in the final third. The visitors had a strong penalty shout turned down and that is a big talking point here.
UPDATE! Leverkusen are now level with Roma. Hernandez makes it 2-2.
Polyakov seems to have a problem for the away side here after taking the ball flush in the face. It has been an open and entertaining start to the second period - BATE are not sitting down here.
Barcelona have just managed to regain control of the game in the last couple of minutes with a period of possession and Suarez looks to have another opportunity inside the box, but the striker is pulled up for a foul at the vital moment. Little over 30 minutes of this contest remaining in Barcelona.
Munir fires straight at the BATE goalkeeper following another slick passing move.
GOAL! Barcelona 2-0 BATE (Suarez)
Barcelona have their second of the match as Neymar cuts inside before finding Suarez, who rounds his defender before poking one into the bottom corner. That should be game over at Camp Nou.
BATE SUB! Hleb is on for BATE in place of Mozolevski.
As it stands, Barcelona will qualify for the round of 16 this evening. It is still Roma 2-2 Leverkusen in Rome - the hosts took a two-goal lead in that one, but the visitors have hit back!
Little over 25 minutes of football remaining in Spain and Barcelona are very comfortable as it stands. Whether they qualify for the round of 16 tonight is neither here nor there, they will eventually.
BATE have actually played a lot better this evening than they did in the reverse match on home soil, but Barcelona have had too much again. The hosts are looking likely to add a third at the moment as they continue to pass and probe in the final third and BATE's resistance is now not as strong here.
SAVE! Stunning save from Chernik as the BATE stopper somehow pushes a Neymar effort wide of the post. The away side's goalkeeper has been very impressive for long spells of this game!
BATE SUB! A.Volodko is replaced by Nikolic.
BARCELONA SUB! Bartra replaces Iniesta.
POST! Suarez hits the outside of the post from a tight angle after Neymar had attempted to find the bottom corner with a wonderful volley. That would have been some goal from Neymar!
Barcelona have another free kick in a dangerous area...
... CHANCE! Alves plays a short free kick into Neymar, who curls a super cross onto the head of Bartra, but his effort is wide of the post. Wonderful invention from Neymar once again there!
Little over 15 minutes of football remaining and as it stands, Barcelona are indeed heading for the knockout stages with two games to spare. It has been very comfortable for the home side here.
BARCELONA SUB! Gumbau enters the game in place of Busquets.
Barcelona have made all three of their permitted changes, but BATE still have one remaining and it would be a surprise if we did not see another new player in the next couple of minutes here.
BATE SUB! Rios replaces M.Volodko for the visitors.
BOOKING! Nikolic (BATE) is booked for a late challenge on Suarez.
UPDATE! Roma have regained the lead against Leverkusen. Now 3-2 to the Italians.
Half-chance for Bartra to add a third for the home side after finding space outside the box, but his effort was always moving over the crossbar. Little over five minutes of the second period remaining.
GOAL! Barcelona 3-0 BATE (Neymar)
It is the terrible two again! Suarez beats the offside trap before squaring to Neymar, who has the simple task of finishing into the back of the net. These two are so, so good at the moment.
Who needs Messi! Well, Barcelona. And everyone. However, Neymar and Suarez have both been sensational in the Argentine's absence. BATE have had no response to their excellence tonight.
Roma are still 3-2 ahead against Leverkusen, which means that Barcelona, as it stands, will not qualify for the round of 16 this evening, but it is surely only a matter of time. The hosts have another half-chance after good work from Roberto, but the midfielder's effort smashes into the side netting.
Three added minutes will be played here. Not sure where they came from...
... Bartra has another go for Barcelona as he approach the final seconds of this match. It seems Barcelona will have to wait to book their spot in the next round, but in truth, it is not in doubt.
FULL-TIME: Barcelona 3-0 BATE
So there we have it. The referee brings the second period to a close with Barcelona running out 3-0 winners in this Group E clash. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Good evening!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
