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Champions League | Group Stage
Oct 3, 2018 at 8pm UK
 
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Clinical Kane v magical Messi – 5 talking points ahead of Tottenham v Barcelona

Harry Kane scored twice in Spurs’ win over Huddersfield on Saturday.

Tottenham face Barcelona at Wembley on Wednesday night in their second Champions League Group B outing.

Here, Press Association Sport looks at the key talking points ahead of the clash.

Real test

Tottenham beat Real Madrid 3-1 in last season's Champions League match at Wembley (Mike Egerton/PA).
Tottenham beat Real Madrid 3-1 in last season’s Champions League match at Wembley (Mike Egerton/PA).

Totenham’s defeat at Inter Milan in their opening group game means the pressure has been cranked up for Barca’s visit. Spurs will be desperate for the sort of inspired Wembley display which so memorably accounted for Real Madrid in the group stage last season.

Kane sharp

Much has been made of Harry Kane’s relatively slow start to the season, but the England striker limbered up for Barca by scoring twice at Huddersfield on Saturday. The sharpness may be returning just in time for Spurs to kickstart their Champions League campaign.

Injuries bite

As well as Dele Alli, Tottenham will be without Christian Eriksen, Mousa Dembele, Serge Aurier and Jan Vertonghen at Wembley. If their squad suddenly starts to appear a little thin, more questions will be asked about the club’s failure to bring in reinforcements this summer.

Moura merrier

Lucas Moura scored in Tottenham's win over Manchester United (Nick Potts/PA).
Lucas Moura scored in Tottenham’s win over Manchester United (Nick Potts/PA).

The absence of Eriksen and Alli will not be so keenly felt if Brazilian attacker Lucas Moura can shine. Moura has yet to add to the three goals he scored in August and needs to step up if Spurs are to trouble what looks a vulnerable Barcelona defence.

Messi magic

Lionel Messi was rested by Barca at the weekend in preparation for the trip to London, although he was summoned from the bench to create their equaliser. Despite Barcelona’s recent wobbles domestically Messi already has eight goals this season and will be eager to add to his tally at Wembley.

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League Phase

TeamPWDLPTS
1Liverpool660018
2Barcelona650115
3B. Leverkusen641113
4Inter Milan641113
5Brest641113
6Arsenal641113
7Aston Villa641113
8Lille641113
9Bayern640212
10Dortmund640212
11Atletico640212
12AC Milan640212
13Atalanta632111
14Juventus632111
15Benfica631210
16Feyenoord631210
17Brugge631210
18Monaco631210
19Sporting Lisbon631210
20Real Madrid63039
21Celtic62319
22Man City62228
23PSV62228
24Dinamo Zagreb62228
25PSG62137
26Stuttgart62137
27Shakhtar61144
28Sparta Prague61144
29Sturm Graz61053
30Girona61053
31Red Star61053
32Salzburg61053
33Bologna60242
34RB Leipzig60060
35Slovan Bratislava60060
36Young Boys60060


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