After two rounds of fixtures, Group D doesn’t have the complexion many felt it might. Barcelona lie second in the standings, boasting an acceptable four points, but it is Danish champions Copenhagen who are making the running presently, commanding two victories from two attempts. If the Danes are to maintain their lead at the top of the section, it will take an almighty effort in the Catalan capital on Wednesday.
Barca have shown signs of fragility at home this season. Already they have lost to unfancied Hercules, and they were held to a draw by Mallorca prior to the international break. For 45 minutes of Sunday’s clash against Valencia, the Blaugrana looked deeply unsteady, but they were imperious in the second period, rallying from a goal down to claim a 2-1 success.
“We’re happy and it gives us confidence for the upcoming matches,” Andres Iniesta declared to the media after the fixture.
Meanwhile, coach Pep Guardiola has explained his belief that fatigue isn’t a physical phenomenon but a mental one. He praised his team for their resilience after the Valencia clash on Saturday, picking out Iniesta for special praise due to the number of successive games the Spain international has played.
Barcelona will again have to rouse themselves for Wednesday’s clash, as Copenhagen have already proven themselves not to be a force underestimated.
In Terrific Form
It’s been a case of so far, so good for Copenhagen in the Champions League, as they have done enough to pick up maximum points after two fixtures. Rubin Kazan were beaten by a Dame N’Doye header on the opening evening of action, and this was followed up by a highly impressive 2-0 success away to Panathinaikos, setting the Danes up nicely for qualification.
Travelling in the Champions League has previously proven to be a problematic experience for Copenhagen. During the 2003-04 season, they slumped in all three of their away games, losing by an aggregate of 7-1. Even in the qualifying stages they struggled away from home, going down against Rosenborg 2-1 and stifling BATE Borisov to a scoreless draw. Camp Nou will therefore be a highly intimidating venue, despite their recent Greek success.
At home on Sunday, Stale Solbakken’s side received a huge boost of confidence as they smashed Odense 5-0, partly on the back of a hat-trick from Cesar Santin, whose work was done for the day after little more than the hour mark.
With 10 wins from their opening 12 fixtures, it’s already looking that Copenhagen are the champions elect of their homeland, but though they are not in the habit of losing, picking up even a point in midweek would have to be considered a major achievement against one of the world’s best club sides.
TEAM NEWS
Barcelona
Pep Guardiola has a number of injury problems heading into this encounter, with Xavi, who played at the weekend, once again liable to be on the sidelines due to his knee problems. The influential midfielder has been doing recovery work and will face a fitness test. Meanwhile, Carles Puyol has only been training lightly and Gabi Milito will miss two weeks of action due to a thigh strain.
Copenhagen
Morten Nordstrand and Solvi Ottesen are both included in a 21-man squad that travels to Spain, though the former hasn’t played since March and the latter hasn’t featured since the middle of September.
Martin Bergvold remains absent due to a knee injury.
Prediction
Though Copenhagen go into this match higher ranked in Group D than their hosts, it would take a remarkable performance for them to steal even a point away from Camp Nou. They’ve proven themselves to be a decent defensive unit already in this campaign, not conceding in the group stage as yet, but they’ve not come up against a force such as Barcelona. La Blaugrana should ultimately ease to another victory.
Barcelona 3-0 Copenhagen 
