Ter Stegen could be the difference maker for Barça

There's no question that Barça will depend on individual quality more than ever in this season's Champions League. Real Madrid did this over three glorious years because these types of competitions are won on certain details and certain names. Barça will turn to Messi as they look to break down Bayern's defence but it's hard not to imagine the match resting firmly on ter Stegen's performance. The German stopper is the Messi of Barça's defence, even if he doesn't claim many headlines himself. Ter Stegen has been, is, and will be someone you can depend on. He's a goalkeeper who wins points and matches on his own. Barça will rely on him and Messi to ensure they don't come home earlier than planned.

Playing in the quarter-final of the Champions League is a motivation for anyone but this match will have something extra special for ter Stegen. Over the last few years, he's had to deal with the injustice of playing second fiddle to Neuer in the German national team. Bayern have a lot of power and Joachim Low doesn't want to upset them. Ter Stegen is, on merit, the best goalkeeper in Germany but he's only featured whenever Neuer is injured. He doesn't need to prove anything to anyone because, at Barça, ter Stegen has proven himself to be one of the best goalkeepers in the world. What appears clear is if Bayern win, it won't be because of Neuer. But if Barça go through, ter Stegen will be one of the stars of the night. That's the difference.