Champions League: Barca boss Luis Enrique returns for Roma reckoning

As Group E opponents Roma and Barcelona (odds-on at 4/6 with Coral to win) prepare for battle at the Stadio Olimpico, a reunion and two potential player milestones are in the offing for this tasty tussle.

Last time the Giallorossi welcomed Barca to the Eternal City back in 2002 the Romans ran riot with a 3-0 rout. Though that defeated Catalan team was blessed with talent, including a certain Luis Enrique toiling in midfield, the Romans face an entirely different prospect against the current crop from Catalonia.

Treble-winning Nou Camp coach Enrique returns to Roma, where he was boss for a brief spell back in 2011-12 but failed to guide his then-side to a Champions League finish, now hoping for better luck in the Italian capital.

“What happened at Roma made me a better coach. I have great memories, I’d have liked to have finished higher but it was a very positive year,” Enrique told press in the run-up to the game.

This match is not just about the Barca boss, however, as Lionel Messi, lethal last term in Europe, awaits his 100th Champions League appearance for the club.

Having notched the vital winner against Atletico Madrid last time out, the Argentine attacker is available in a celebratory match special at 9/2 to score two or more on his potential continental century, though punters should be aware the maximum stake is £20.

All of Barcelona’s big-guns should be out in force for this one, with fellow forward Luis Suarez growing in influence and 9/2 to net the first, while Neymar, joint Champions League top scorer last term on 10, is 7/2 to strike last.