Abidal: Barca are well prepared

Barcelona defender Eric Abidal is hoping the club’s blinding form in the Primera Division will stand them in good stead for their Champions League clash with Dynamo Kiev.

Five wins out of five in the domestic competition have taken Pep Guardiola’s men second in the standings, behind only big-spending Real Madrid who have matched them blow for blow.

A 2-0 victory over Malaga at the weekend gave Barca further cause for celebration and the Spaniards, who began the defence of their European title with a draw against Inter Milan two weeks ago, are keen to carry that success into the Champions League.

“It is always better to win before a Champions League game to give you confidence,” Abidal told the club’s official website.

Dynamo are also a side in form though, and Abidal is aware they could prove tricky customers at the Nou Camp.

“Dynamo won their opening match and we drew,” the French left-back said.

“We know that all Champions League games are hard to win but we are preparing well for this one.”

The victory over Malaga came at a cost for Guardiola, who has lost two players to injury.

Ukrainian defender Dmytro Chygrynskiy, a summer signing from Dynamo’s rivals Shakhtar Donetsk, has been ruled of action for around three weeks after suffering ligament damage in his left knee on Saturday.

Striker Thierry Henry also picked up a thigh injury during the Malaga clash, and is a serious doubt for their European encounter.

Like Barca, Dynamo are unbeaten on the domestic front this season and a 2-0 victory over Zorya at the weekend marked their fifth successive win in the Superliga.

The Kiev side also hold the early advantage in Champions League Group F thanks to a 3-1 success at home to Rubin Kazan.

Striker Andriy Shevchenko is hoping his team-mates can cope under the spotlight at the Nou Camp.

“Barcelona were the best team last season, led by the best coach and with the best players in the world,” the former AC Milan star told the club’s website.

“The players have to show attitude, dedication. Speaking from experience, I know we need to give our all against this kind of team.

“We must believe in ourselves and in a positive outcome.”

Brazilian defender Leandro Almeida expects to have his hands full facing Lionel Messi during the match.

“The whole team in general are talented, but if anyone stands apart it is Lionel Messi,” he said.

“We have to be careful and alert so his speed and technique do not take us by surprise.

“Everyone knows the power of Barcelona, but if we can show what we are capable of then this match could end quite well for us.”