Maxwell doubtful for Real Madrid clash

Brazilian full-back Maxwell has sustained a groin injury in the match at CampNou and will possibly miss the upcoming Champions League clash againstrivals Real Madrid on Wednesday evening at the Bernabeu.

A report on the official Barcelona website revealed that the 29-year-old underwent ultrasound and MRI scans this morning, which confirmed he had a groin strain.

Maxwell’s availability on Wednesday depends on his recovery process in the upcoming days. The left-back’s injury comes at a bad moment for Barcelona as first choice left-back Eric Abidal and back-up Adriano are both sidelined due to various reasons as well.

Argentinian centre-back Gabriel Milito is also doubtful for the match against Madrid. The defender sustained a calf injury on Saturday evening and could be out of action for several days.

Sergio Busquets: We have to change our mentality against Real Madrid

Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets is expecting a hard slog when his team travel to the Bernabeu for Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final, first-leg against Real Madrid.

It’s back to Clasico business for the Spanish champions – the third of fourgames following the previous draw in La Liga, and the loss in the Copa del Rey last week.

Their dominance over Real Madrid has become less stable, and while Busquets acknowledged the differencesbetween both teams, he knows the struggle for European glory is very real.

“We have to change our mentality, the semi-finals of the Champions League are very hard,” he told the press.

“They are games which don’t last 90 minutes, but 180. We have to be careful, work well and take an important step.”

Pep Guardiola’s tone has suggested Madrid are favourites at the Bernabeu, but Busquets changed that to a broadly neutral vibe.

“They are a great team, and perhaps the worst rival we could have faced right now in the Champions League because they know us, they have a great coach and there is great rivalry,” he added.

“But the games are equal. The previous two [Clasicos] were decided by details, and I think it’s the same here.

“We have to improve, but the team is doing well. We must play with our philosophy.”

Kick off is at 20:45 CET on Wednesday night.