Barcelona boss Luis Enrique expects tough test against Celtic

By Rory O'Callaghan

Image: Barcelona manager Luis Enrique addresses the press at Celtic Park

Barcelona boss Luis Enrique believes Wednesday night's Champions League match against Celtic will be nothing like the one-sided meeting between the two clubs earlier this year.

Barca kicked off their European campaign with a 7-0 demolition of Celtic at the Nou Camp back in September.

Lionel Messi scored his sixth Champions League hat-trick as the Hoops suffered their heaviest ever defeat in European competition.

Celtic, however, bounced back from that disappointment to claim creditable draws against Manchester City and Borussia Monchengladbach and Enrique is expecting a similarly resolute performance on Wednesday.

Image: Celtic suffered a 7-0 defeat to Barcelona earlier this season

"It is going to be a different game completely," said the Barcelona boss, who saw his side lose 3-1 to Manchester City last time out.

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"We have to be ready for everything. It is good to score early in all games but Celtic need points so they will come out but again I say it will be different, it will be nothing like the game that we had before.

"The Camp Nou is not a reference, what will be a reference is the game against Manchester City."

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Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers echoed Enrique's opinion and believes his team stand a greater chance of victory when backed by their vocal home support.

The Hoops have pulled off a string of European upsets at Parkhead over the years but Enrique insists his players will relish the opportunity to play in front of a packed crowd in Glasgow.

Image: Lionel Messi scored his sixth Champions League hat-trick during the win at the Nou Camp

"Players always want to play in a great atmosphere," he said.

"The atmosphere is everything, the Celtic fans travel in numbers, they are a fantastic support here and away. Above all football is really about enjoying it.

"I just ask my players to go and enjoy it and if we do we will qualify for the next round."

Image: Messi has been passed fit to face the Hoops after missing the 0-0 draw with Malaga on Saturday

Barcelona expect to welcome back Lionel Messi, who missed last Saturday's goalless draw with Malaga after suffering from an illness.

"Lionel is always ready to play and I am sure tomorrow he will be ready," Enrique said.

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