Enrique springs surprise as Mathieu starts for Barca against Juventus

Updated 11/04/2017 at 17:45 GMT

Barcelona boss Luis Enrique sprang a surprise for the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final against Juventus with Jeremy Mathieu being handed a start in a three-man defence.

Barcelona's coach Luis Enrique Martinez before the match against Leganes

Image credit: Reuters

Barca could have used Spain international Jordi Alba in a back four but opted for the three-man defence which has had mixed results.

[FOLLOW LIVE: JUVENTUS v BARCELONA]

Mathieu played alongside Gerard Pique and Samuel Umtiti at the back with Javier Mascherano being deployed in midfield.

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Neymar started in his usual place to the left of Luis Suarez, with Lionel Messi playing deeper, just two hours after the news that he will miss the upcoming Clasico with Real Madrid due to suspension.

Juventus were loaded full of forwards as they sought to capitalise on home advantage, with Paulo Dybala, Mario Mandzukic and Gonzalo Higuain all starting.

Juventus: Buffon, Alves, Bonucci, Chiellini, Sandro, Khedira, Pjanic, Cuadrado, Dybala, Mandzukic, Higuain.

Barcelona: Ter Stegen, Roberto, Umtiti, Pique, Mathieu, Mascherano, Iniesta, Rakitic, Messi, Suarez, Neymar.

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