FC Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard is aiming to knock out Liverpool FC, the club he enjoyed watching as a boy, when the two heavyweights meet at Camp Nou.

Rijkaard is relishing the prospect of tackling the current Liverpool team as the last two winners of the competition go head to head in the opening leg of their last-16 encounter. But it was the team that lifted the European Champion Clubs‘ Cup three times in eight seasons, between 1977 and 1984, that really caught his imagination.

Despite his admiration for the Premiership outfit, Rijkaard is keen to ensure they do not add to their five wins in the tournament. So the holders cannot afford another defeat in this two-legged encounter, having slipped up against Chelsea FC in the group stage.

Samuel Eto’o will sit out the game, having missed Sunday’s 2-1 league defeat at Valencia CF in order to continue his recuperation following a knee problem. Lionel Messi is approaching full fitness having recovered from a broken toe and Rijkaard is pleased to have the Argentinian back.

Lilian Thuram is also available following a thigh complaint, but Edmílson, Santiago Ezquerro and Sylvinho have been omitted from the squad.

The last two champions come together at Camp Nou for what home president Joan Laporta predicted could be an ‘extraordinary tie’. Barcelona’s 13-match unbeaten run at home in the competition makes them clear favourites but spearheaded by Rafael Benítez, the Reds’ sizeable Spanish contingent will be keen to spring a surprise.

This heavyweight contest carries added appeal because of Liverpool’s Spanish contingent, spearheaded by a manager in Benítez who will aim to maintain his team’s unbeaten record at Barcelona.

After Liverpool aim to end Barcelona’s 13-match unbeaten run at home in the UEFA Champions League, the return fixture will be played at Anfield on 6 March.

The UEFA Champions League action continues Wednesday as FC Porto hosts Chelsea. With the Blues sitting at the top two of the Premiership, Jose Mourinho will hope his team can keep up their scoring ways. Get your Champions League odds and lines at Sports Interaction.

Champions League, Barcelona vs Liverpool