Barcelona: Barcelona are capable of springing another remarkable Champions League comeback from 3-0 down against Juventus on Wednesday, insists coach Luis Enrique.
The Spanish champions made history by overcoming a 4-0 first leg deficit by beating Paris Saint-Germain 6-1 in the second leg of their last 16 tie.
“It is obvious it is not our most consistent season, we have struggled more than in other years,” said Enrique, after Barca’s 3-2 win over Real Sociedad on Saturday.
“But this is group of winners and champions capable of anything.
“Anyone who doubts that can switch off the lights on their way out.”
Enrique, who will step down at the end of the season, predicted before the return leg of the PSG tie that has side would at least get back into the tie at some point at the Camp Nou.
And he repeated that prediction for the visit of the Italian champions despite Juventus’ excellent defensive record having conceded just two goals in nine Champions League games this season.
“In the previous tie we were able to overcome an even more difficult result.
“We will be in the tie at some point of the 90 minutes. We need to play a great game and have a clear and precise efficiency in front of goal.”
Earlier on Saturday, Isco struck at the death to keep Real Madrid three points clear and with a game in hand at the top of the table after twice coming from behind to beat Sporting Gijon 3-2.
Messi is now just two off his 500th Barca goal as he smashed home an effort from 25 yards to open the scoring.
Messi then took his tally to 45 goals in 44 games this season with a far less spectacular finish as he bundled home from close range after Geronimo Rulli had saved from Luis Suarez.
However, Barca passed up the chance to enjoy a comfortable evening in a three-goal spell in as many minutes just before half-time.
Firstly, Samuel Umtiti turned Inigo Martinez’s driven effort into his own net.
Paco Alcacer, deputising for the suspended Neymar, briefly restored Barca’s two-goal lead with a composed finish from Messi’s pass.
Yet, Sociedad scored again almost straight from kick-off as Xabi Prieto cushioned William Jose’s cross into the bottom corner.
Madrid can all but secure a first league title in five years with victory when they host Barca next weekend.
But not for the first time this season they needed a late show after Duje Cop and Mikel Vesga put Sporting in front early in both halves.
Isco’s fine individual effort and a towering header from Alvaro Morata ensured neither lead lasted more than a few minutes.
And Isco sealed the comeback when he drilled home from the edge of the box.
“This is the spirit of Real Madrid,” said Isco.
“It is in the DNA of this shirt and this badge, we have shown it so many times and again today. Until the referee blows the full-time whistle it is not over.”
The Spanish international is yet to agree a new contract with his current deal expiring at the end of next season.
And Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane insists he wants Isco to stay despite his lack of starts and interest from Barcelona.
“You know what I think of Isco, he is a player I like a lot and his place is here.”
Isco’s late intervention bailed out his coach after Zidane made nine changes from the side that beat Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final in midweek.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema were left out of the squad entirely alongside the injured Gareth Bale, while Toni Kroos, Luka Modric and Marcelo had to settle for a place on the bench.
“I feel like I am unfair with those that don’t play,” added Zidane.
“There are 24 players that can play in all positions. It is the difficult part of this job.”
Atletico Madrid warmed up for the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Leicester City with a comfortable 3-0 win over rock bottom Osasuna despite missing two penalties in the same game for the second time this season.
