Barcelona academy product could play vs Porto, Royal Antwerp if team qualifies for UCL knockouts | OneFootball

A lot hinges on Barcelona’s clash against Shakhtar Donetsk later today. The game is set to kick off in Hamburg, Germany, as the Ukrainian side will look to get their revenge for last month’s defeat.

Their last meeting ended in a 2-1 win in the Blaugranas’ favour courtesy of goals from Ferran Torres and Fermin Lopez. However, Barcelona have not endured a good time ever since.

A game with a reward

The Catalans are currently the leaders in Group H, three points clear of Porto and six clear of third-placed Shakhtar Donetsk. Royal Antwerp, meanwhile, are yet to open their account.

The door for mathematic qualification thus opens in the team’s match later tonight.

If they take three points or just a point from Shakhtar, Barcelona will guarantee themselves a berth in the Round of 16 for the first time in three years.

A lot riding on the game

Needless to say, this comes as great news for Xavi Hernandez. According to reports from Javi Miguel, Inaki Pena has added motivation to root for Barcelona’s win tonight.

If Barça win today and secure their qualification, Pena could get chances in the remaining two Champions League games against FC Porto and Royal Antwerp, as relayed by the Spanish journalist.

Inaki Pena is yet to feature this season. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

This comes as big news for the 24-year-old who has only played once for the senior team in the Champions League.

The academy graduate has not enjoyed much prominence at Barcelona in his time with the senior team. Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s form has not given him any window of opportunity to capitalise on.

Pena is yet to feature for Barcelona this season, and could thus open his account against Porto on Matchday 5. His chances will only increase after competitions like Copa del Rey appear on the calendar.