BATE Borisov analysis ahead of Barcelona clash

BATE Borisov, on paper, should be the easiest team to beat in Group E, which features Barcelona, Bayer Leverkusen and Roma. The Belarussian team dominates their division domestically, which they have won uninterrupted since 2006. If they win in 2015 it will be 10 times.

They are currently three points clear of their league, ahead of Dinamo Minsk. The team, managed by Ermakovich, is used to playing a 4-3-3: Chernik; Zhavnerchik, Polyakov, Milinovic, Mladenovic; Aleksievich, Yablonski, Hleb; Gordeichuk, Rodionov, Volodko.

BATE beat Dundalk, Videoton and Partizan Belgrade to reach the group stage. 

Stadium

Borisov Arena (13,000). However, in big games they play at the Estadio Dinamo, in Minsk, with 41,000 capacity. It's where Barcelona played in 2011-12.

Coach

Aleksandr Ermakovic. Born Jan 21, 1975. Third season in charge of the club. Before he was an assistanat between 2008-13. Was also a player there between 1998 and 2008. 

Star

Aleksander Hleb. Former Barcelona player, who moved there this season from Genclerbirligi in Turkey. Was only at Barça one season. Plays with the No 81 - his year of birth. 

Previous clashes

Champions 2011-12

Group stage: BATE-Barcelona 0-5

Group stage: Barcelona-BATE 4-0