Runaway Serie A leaders Juventus host European giants Barcelona on Tuesday night for the first-leg of their UEFA Champions League quarterfinal on Tuesday, seeking revenge for their loss in the 2015 final.
Much has changed in Turin since the time they were outclassed in Belrlin and as they seek to re-establish themselves as continental heavyweights, nothing less than a win will do.

So can they beat the mighty Catalans? A daunting task, but if this season is anything to go by, then La Blaugrana have some obvious weaknesses which an astute opponent can exploit.

Juventus

If Barcelona have a star-studded South American attacking trio, Juve’s tandem of Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo Higuain is no less potent. Dybala, in particular, is the danger man for the Bianconeri and with his speed and guile, can wreak havoc.

So with Barcelona monopolising possession, chances for the hosts will be few and they will have to be clinical when presented with them. In Higuain, they have a forward, who in the Serie A at least, is clinical. His Champions League record this season is nothing great and one he will be looking set straight as Messi and co come visiting.

Juve have veterans at the back, who despite their advancing years, manage to get the job done. Tuesday’s opponents, however, are no ordinary team and hence the likes of Claudio Marchisio and Sami Khedira will have to be alert to any potential danger if they are to effectively shield their defence from midfield.

The titanic clash has extra motivation for one man: Dani Alves. For the Brazilian spent a trophy-laden 8 seasons with Barca before shifting base to Turin and will want to prove that despite being 33, he’s still got it.

What they are saying: “We have a lot of respect for Barcelona but we'll go into the tie knowing we have a very good chance of going through. It's two matches and we'll have to be on our game both defensively and going forward – like in any football match.” ( Juve manager Massimiliano Allergi as per www.juventus.com)

Injury absentees: Marko Pjaca (Knee)

Suspension Alert:  None

Barcelona

While Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar or ‘MSN’ as they are popularly known as, hog all the limelight with their record breaking goals tally each season, Barcelona are much more than just their vaunted attack trio.

For when Sergio Busquets is off colour or worse, off the pitch, La Blaugrana have been known to struggle. The defensive midfielder, among the best in the world, keeps recycling possession for his attack-minded teammates and with him suspended for this tie, Barca are in trouble for they do not have a like-for-like replacement for the Spaniard.

So will Andres Iniesta see a start? The veteran maestro is in line to make the playing XI, but summer signing Andre Gomes will need to provide ample support to him if Barca are to effectively throttle Juve’s supply to Higuain and Dybala.

What they are saying: “It is always difficult to play against Italian teams and Juventus are also aiming to win the trophy. They have already played one another in a final when Barça won so they will want to make up for that defeat.” (Former Barcelona defender Eric Abidal as per www.fcbarcelona.com)

Injury absentees: Rafinha (Knee), Aleix Vidal (Ankle) and Arda Turan (Adductor)

Suspension Alert: Sergio Busquets (Yellow Card Accumulation)

Super Stat:

Juventus have never beaten Barcelona over the course of a two-legged tie, with the Catalans coming out on top on three occasions (1985-85, 1990-91 and 2002-03).