Mascherano: Leverkusen tie not over yet

Barcelona’s Javier Mascherano is wary of the threat posed by Bayer Leverkusen ahead of the Champions League last-16 second leg at Camp Nou.

Holders Barca recorded a 3-1 victory in the team’s first meeting at the BayArena on Tuesday, thanks to two Alexis Sanchez goals and one from Lionel Messi.

In light of Barca’s impressive home form this season, and their two-goal advantage, the tie appears to be over already, but Mascherano does not see it that way.

“It’s a very good result but we have to play the return match against a rival German team that never gives up,” he said.

Argentina international Mascherano declined to speculate on who Barca’s quarter-final opponents may be if they do progress.

“No, the most dangerous rival is Bayer Leverkusen, the team that we have to face again,” he said.

“If we progress to the quarters, then we’ll see what team we play. But the most dangerous opponent for us now is still Bayer Leverkusen.”

Mascherano was deployed as a centre-back at the BayArena and the former Liverpool midfielder insists he has no issue playing out of his natural position.

“I just prefer to play, although lately I’ve played more defence,” he said.