Forget the Oscars: Barcelona's high-octane Champions League clash with Chelsea at the Nou Camp tonight should provide all the ingredients for an epic Hollywood drama.
Barca won't be rolling out the red carpet for Jose Mourinho and his players after a controversial first-leg two weeks ago when Chelsea defender Asier Del Horno's sending-off overshadowed the Spanish side's 2-1 win.
Del Horno was red-carded at Stamford Bridge for a dangerous challenge on Argentine Lionel Messi, prompting Mourinho to remark that the Barcelona forward had indulged in theatrics.
Mourinho was given a hostile reception on arrival in Barcelona on Sunday and, with Chelsea needing to win and score at least twice to progress to the last eight, the pressure is on the English champions.
Mourinho acknowledged his team was in a difficult position ahead of the game, but suggested it could still reach the last eight for the fourth straight time.
"Barcelona are in a situation where they wouldn't expect to be," Mourinho said. "The winning team has an emotional advantage and is playing at home. How many times in football have things changed?"
Meanwhile, Champions League debutants Villarreal will be confident of overcoming Rangers at the Madrigal after a 2-2 first-leg draw.
The Spaniards have statistics in their favour. They are unbeaten in the Champions League this season and have kept a clean sheet in 13 out of 16 games at home in Europe, conceding just four goals.
Argentine Juan Pablo Sorin is doubtful with a calf injury, so Italian Alessio Tacchinardi is likely to partner Marcos Senna in the centre of midfield.
Rangers' task is made harder by the absence of Croatia striker Dado Prso, who is serving a one-match ban.
The Scottish champions, who have won only three of 21 Champions League away games, are battling to contain a flu virus and injuries to Belgian Thomas Buffel, Danish forward Peter Lovenkrands and Tunisian midfielder Hamed Namouchi.
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