Barca preview with Reshmin Chowdhury

Highly-respected presenter and journalist Reshmin Chowdhury knows the Champions League inside-out in her work for BT Sport, where you'll see her interviewing players and managers minutes after the final whistle on European football's biggest stage. You can also catch her on BBC, where she hosts the Women’s Football Show.

Reshmin is in Barcelona covering tonight's huge game and took time out to talk to us for our latest 'Preview from the Press Box'. 

On Barcelona...

Reshmin: “Even when they are not at their absolute best, they are still Barcelona. They go into this in good form. There’s a tradition here, a history. They have top players and they generally find a way to make it all work. Every game is must-win for them, even more so in the Champions League. I covered their historic 6-1 victory over Paris Saint German in 2017, as well as their painful exit to Roma last season; they won’t want to be shown up like that again, not even in a 'meaningless' group game. This competition is far too important to them and they have their pride.”

Key players

Reshmin: “For Spurs, everyone has to bring their A-game. Players like Harry Kane, Christian Eriksen creating those little opportunities, Dele getting into pockets. Spurs don’t have a problem creating chances, they just have to make sure they take them. Both Inter and PSV had their chances too, so that’s encouraging. For Barcelona, it all revolves around Lionel Messi, more so these days than ever. That sounds so simplistic because they have such good players but Messi really is from another planet and keeping him at bay will be the biggest task. Simply put, when Messi is on it, everyone is on it. We saw that at Wembley. A lot of people are suggesting he might be rested, but I would be very surprised if he didn’t feature at all.”

Key areas

Reshmin: “Spurs have to be brave and start on the front foot. The players look relaxed, excited and why shouldn’t they be? The Camp Nou is an incredible place. These are the games you live for as a player. I just think attitude is key, as is game management. There is no debate over skill or ability. I also think the players will be able to draw on their experience at the Bernabeu last season and at international level to up their game. They will rise to the challenge.”

As a fan, how are you feeling?

Reshmin: “I’m looking forward to a brilliant game of football! One thing I will say is that Spurs have proven how strong they are as a unit. They’ve coped with a relentless schedule and multiple injuries and come out stronger. There is no reason why they can’t do what they need to do. On the other hand, I can’t see Barca just handing the game to them because they have already qualified. This is a team of serial winners and they won’t want to surrender the chance to equal Bayern’s incredible record of 29 games unbeaten at home in the Champions League, which has stood since 2002 (Barca haven’t lost here since May, 2013). On top of that, they’re hardly going to lay out the red carpet for a team managed by an Espanyol legend!”