Champions League: Juventus to face Barcelona without Cristiano Ronaldo
Matchday two of the UEFA Champions League started on Tuesday with Group A to D in action. And tonight, we have more matches coming our way (Group E to H). The biggest spectacle is set to be Juventus' clash against Barcelona. However, the highly anticipated match-up between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi will not be on offer. Here are further details.
Ronaldo has reportedly not recovered from the coronavirus in time to face the Spanish giants in a crucial Group G encounter. Italian media reports have claimed that Ronaldo's latest test was still positive for COVID-19 on the eve of his side's match. In Ronaldo's place, Alvaro Morata will start against Barca. Morata had scored a brace in their opening UCL encounter against Dynamo Kyiv.
Earlier this month, Ronaldo had tested positive for the novel coronavirus while being on international duty with Portugal. The legendary footballer was dropped from the country's Nations League match against Sweden as the rest of the squad tested negative. According to AP, the Portuguese soccer federation said Ronaldo was doing well and had no symptoms.
Both sides won on matchday one to collect three points each. Juve beat Kyiv 2-0, whereas, Barca got past Ferencvaros 5-1. All eyes will be on Lionel Messi, who had earlier scripted a record on matchday one. Meanwhile, both sides will want to bounce back after poor shows in their respective domestic league games over the weekend. It's expected to be a tight battle.
The match is set to start at 1:30 AM IST on Thursday. One can watch it live on the Sony Ten Network and stream the same on Sony LIV app (paid subscription). Venue: Juventus Stadium, Turin. Dream11 team prediction (4-2-3-1): Neto; Cuadrado, Bonucci, Dest, Alba; Kulusevski, De Jong; Messi, Ramsey, Fati (c), Morata.
Juventus: Szczesny; Danilo, Bonucci, Demiral, Cuadrado; Rabiot, Arthur, Ramsey; Kulusevksi, Morata, Chiesa. Barcelona: Neto; Dest, Araujo, Lenglet, Alba; De Jong, Busquets; Griezmann, Pedri, Fati; Messi.
Cristiano Ronaldo will not play against Barcelona tomorrow. He’s not tested negative yet - 24 hours before the UCL match. Morata will be the starter as centre striker for Juventus. 🔴 #Juve #UCL #ChampionsLeague
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 27, 2020
