Match facts and stats ahead of the first leg of FC Barcelona‘s Champions League quarter-final with Shakhtar Donetsk at the Camp Nou.
Lionel Messi is struggling with a leg injury sustained on international duty with Argentina. He was only used as a substitute in the 1-0 La Liga win at Villarreal on Saturday. “In Villarreal I did not feel good,” Messi said. The World Player of the Year is still expected to start in a Barca side that is missing Carles Puyol (knee), while Maxwell and Pedro hope to return after injury. Eric Abidal was present at training on Tuesday following surgery on a liver tumour, but did not take part.
Former Barcelona defender Dmytro Chygrynskiy is doubtful with an ankle injury, while Olexandr Kucher misses out. Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho is available after seven months out but is not expected to start. Star Brazilian trio Jadson, Douglas Costa and Luiz Adriano all start.
MATCH FACTS
The team that has knocked Arsenal out of the Champions League in the last seven seasons has gone on to lose their next knockout match.
Shakhtar have the best shooting accuracy of the eight teams left in the Champions League (57 per cent).
Barcelona have allowed their opponents fewer shots on target against them than any other team in the Champions League.
The Ukrainian side have won nine of their last 10 Champions league matches and scored 26 goals in those games.
Shakhtar have only won two of their 12 European games against Spanish sides but both of those victories were against Barcelona.
Shakhtar have won two and lost three of their six European games against Barcelona but they won 3-2 on their last visit to the Camp Nou.
Eduardo has scored four goals from just six shots on target in the Champions League this season.
Lionel Messi has scored 25 goals in his last 30 Champions League games and 14 in his last 11 starts
Shakhtar have conceded 138 fouls, more than any other team in this season’s Champions League.
Shakhtar have scored the most goals from outside the box in this season’s Champions League.
Lionel Messi has fired in 20 shots on target, more than any other player in the Champions League this season.
ODDS
Barcelona 1/5, Draw 11/2, Shakhtar 14/1