Evening all! Sports Mole's Champions League group-stage coverage continues from the Camp Nou as Barcelona welcome APOEL to Spain. The home side are the overwhelming favourites to start with three points, but APOEL have previous in this competition – defying the odds to reach the quarter-finals of the 2011-12 season. Right, let me bring you up to speed with the all-important team news from Spain.

TEAMS

BARCA: Ter Stegen; Alves, Bartra, Pique, Adriano; Xavi, Samper, Roberto; Neymar, Messi, El-Haddadi

APOEL: Pardo; Guilherme, Carlao, Antoniades, Sergio; Tiago, Vinicius, Morais; Aloneftis, Sheridan, De Vicenti

Interesting team selection for Barcelona this evening, with Marc-Andre ter Stegen handed his debut in goal. Dani Alves and Adriano also return in the full-back positions, while there are starts for Sergi Samper - who is making his first-team debut - and Sergi Roberto in midfield. Neymar also comes into the XI, with boss Luis Enrique ringing the changes from their 2-0 win over Athletic Bilbao on Saturday.

APOEL, meanwhile, have former Celtic striker Cillian Sheridan leading their line at the Camp Nou. The 25-year-old will be flanked by Efstathios Aloneftis and Tomas de Vicenti in a seemingly 4-3-3 formation, while there are two Brazilians in the back four, with Carlao and Joao Guilherme both selected for the visitors.

This is the first time that Barcelona have faced APOEL, but they do have previous experience playing against Cypriot opposition. Both of those meetings came in the first round of the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup. They beat Apollen Limassol FC in the 1982/83 season, before overcoming AEK Larnaca in the 1996/97 season, with now Barca boss Luis Enrique featuring in the second tie. Just a reminder of the main team news...

Nine changes from eleven that faced Athletic Bilbao. Only Messi and Munir start both games pic.twitter.com/2KhPAakJdR — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) September 17, 2014

Under Gerardo Martino last season, Barca were eliminated in the quarter-finals by Atletico Madrid. However, that was the first time that they had failed to reach at least the semi-finals of the competition since the 2006/07 season. The four-time winners last picked up the trophy in 2011, but their vast summer spending was with the aim of returning to the top of European football once more.

Barcelona's recent home record in this competition is also extremely strong – losing just one of their last 27 home matches in European football, including four wins and a draw last season. Despite only making the quarter-finals in the last campaign, Barca are still see among the favourites to claim the trophy for the fifth time this season. In truth, it would be a major shock if they did not start with a win tonight.

In fact, the last time that Barcelona failed to reach at least the quarter-finals was in 2007, when they were eliminated in the round of 16. Their record in recent seasons has been tremendous, but Atletico and of course Bayern Munich have had the better of the Catalan side in recent knockout games.

The Spanish side have started this season in fine form, however, winning each of their three La Liga matches to take an early lead in Spain's top division. Lionel Messi looks rejuvenated, while Neymar is almost fully fit following a serious back injury at the World Cup. That is without mentioning the small matter of Luis Suarez, who will be have served his four-month suspension in little over a month.

© Getty Images

APOEL, meanwhile, are competing in the group stages of the competition for the third time in their history. They incredibly reached the quarter-finals on their last appearance in the 2011/12 season, before being eliminated by Real Madrid. That season, they came through a group that included Porto, Shakhtar Donetsk and Zenit St Petersburg, before beating French side Lyon in the round of 16.

Their journey came to an end against Real Madrid, however, with the Spanish outfit winning 3-0 in Nicosia before securing a 5-2 victory on their own patch. Last season, however, APOEL failed to make it out of the group stages of the Europa League during what was a disappointing European campaign.

APOEL overcame Helsinki and Aalborg to book their spot in the group stages this season, while this evening will see their head coach Giorgos Donis take charge of his first match in the Champions League. In truth, it is a big ask for Donis to lead his side through a group that also includes Paris Saint-Germain.

APOEL's record in Spain is also disappointing, losing five of their six matches and failing to win in the process. That said, their draw occurred against Atletico Madrid in their debut appearance in the group stages in September 2009. Much has changed at Atletico since then, but APOEL have shown that they can take a positive result from Spain. Little over 20 minutes remaining until kickoff at the Camp Nou.

As mentioned, APOEL have never met Barcelona in European competition, but they have previously travelled to this city. That occurred in the 1996/97 UEFA Cup first round, when they lost 1-0 at Espanyol.

APOEL have also never won away from home in the Champions League proper, but they enter this match off the back of a 100% start to their domestic season, winning both of their league matches to sit second in the table. At the weekend, they were 1-0 winners over Ermis. However, this is a different level entirely.

The players have started warming up on the Camp Nou pitch #FCBlive pic.twitter.com/9gjMtq231V — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) September 17, 2014

The visitors also have a domestic record that can stand alongside Barcelona's. They have won 23 Cypriot league titles and 20 Cypriot cups. Barcelona have won 22 Spanish titles and 26 Copa del Reys.

PREDICTION: In truth, I am finding it really difficult to make a case for APOEL this evening. They have players that can cause Barcelona problems, but the home side have so much quality in their XI. My score prediction is 4-0 Barcelona, with Neymar and Messi both among the goals for the Catalan side.

Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff this evening. It is such a big ask for APOEL, but they are not here for the sights that is for certain. The first period is just moments away here.

Here we go then. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium as the away side get the half underway.

Good possession from APOEL in the opening couple of minutes, with each member of their back four involved in the early moments. Barcelona regain the ball in the right-back position, however, with Alves on the attack. You just get the feeling that the away side need to ride out the opening 15 or 20 minutes here.

Adriano and Munir are involved down the left for Barcelona, but the latter just loses control at the vital moment and Carlao is on hand to clear. APOEL manage to break forward with Sheridan, but Bartra is across to clear. The away side look comfortable in possession in the early moments at the Camp Nou.

Not too much for the home supporters to get excited about in the opening six minutes as Messi floats a pass just beyond the head of Adriano. Moments before, APOEL were down the other end with Vinicius, but the Brazilian could not find a teammate and Bartra was on hand to clear. Still goalless in Spain.

Good stuff from APOEL in the final third as Vinicius finds De Vincenti down the right, but Adriano just does enough to hold off the attacker. Still not too much in terms of Barcelona pressure in the early moments.

Barcelona have a free kick just outside the APOEL box as Munir wins a free kick from Carlao...

... Messi delivers towards the near post, but the danger is cleared following a period of pin-ball inside the box. APOEL have looked nice and tight in the early moments here, with Barcelona yet to threaten.

BOOKING! Vinicius goes into the book for APOEL for fouling Messi just outside the box.

SAVE! Messi strikes the free kick towards the bottom corner, but Pardo is across to make a really bright save. Super goalkeeping from the Spaniard, but Barca are starting to turn the screw.

Another half-chance for the home side as Neymar finds some space inside the box before clipping a pass into Messi, but the Argentine cannot control at the vital moment and the chance is gone. Neymar and Messi are starting to find their feet, but APOEL have shown that they have a threat on the counter attack.

Possession football for Barcelona in the last couple of moments, but they are finding it difficult to break down this stern defence in the final third. Neymar does find some space just outside the box, but his effort is deflected behind for a corner. Can the home side make this pressure count?

Barcelona continue to win free kicks in the final third, with the latest delivered from Xavi towards Pique, but Carlao just manages to ease the Spaniard out of the way. The referee has been busy in the last couple of moments due to a number of late challenges, but still just the one yellow card issued.

It is almost like a training match at the moment as Barcelona continue to pin APOEL to their own box. Munir has a half-chance after meeting a cross from Alves, but his header is straight at Pardo.

CLOSE! Neymar comes close for Barcelona after moving past two defenders on the edge of the box, but his final effort was always rising over the crossbar. Again it was Messi who found Neymar.

You just get the feeling that it is only a matter of time before Barcelona take the lead as they continue to dominate in the final third. Ter Stegen has not had a save to make thus far, but the goalkeeper has been neat and tidy in possession. Little over 20 minutes of the first period remaining at the Camp Nou.

It is brilliant defending from Carlao as the centre-back clears a cross from Adriano, with Messi ready to tap home from close range. APOEL manage to enjoy a period of possession in the Barcelona half moments later, but it comes to nothing as Sheridan loses out in a race with Bartra. Still goalless in Barcelona.

BOOKING! Antoniades goes into the book for APOEL for a poor challenge on Alves.

Barcelona take the lead with 28 minutes on the clock as Pique heads a Messi free kick into the bottom corner. Brilliant header from the Spaniard on his return to the team. It had been coming.

APOEL really cannot afford to concede a second before the interval this evening. It would probably be curtains even at this stage of the match. The away side just cannot get out of their own half at the moment, but some respite for APOEL is gained when Samper makes a rash challenge in the final third.

Barcelona continue to force the issue with a period of possession outside the APOEL box, but the latest move comes to an end when Samper cannot find the run of Messi. Little over 10 minutes of the half to play.

The referee has been more involved than he would have liked this evening and that pattern continues as APOEL continue to commit fouls in the final third. Samper is the latest to take a late one from Morais, but no further action is taken. Moments later, Neymar is brought to the ground by Morais once more.

Sheridan has seen more of the ball in the last couple of minutes, but the APOEL forward is lacking support in the final third. Barcelona are down the other end with Alves moments later, but his cross is cleared by Carlao, who has been really impressive in the opening 38 minutes of this contest.

Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, but the away side are seeing more of the ball in the final third. One goal for APOEL would change the atmosphere inside the stadium. Messi continues to cause problems with his movement down the other end, but Carlao clears once more.

SAVE! Wonderful chance for Barcelona as Neymar sets up Messi just inside the box, but the Argentine fires his effort straight at Pardo, who makes a top save. More good goalkeeping.

Again it is good defending from Carlao as the Brazilian clears a low cross from Alves, which had threatened to find Messi in a good position. It remains 1-0 Barcelona with 42 minutes on the clock.

APOEL can be pleased with their opening 44 minutes to this match that is for certain. The home side have had plenty of the ball, but clear chances have been at a premium it must be said.

.@3gerardpique has scored his 21st goal for @FCBarcelona tonight, his 7th in the #UCL pic.twitter.com/DZVnuMrgRf — Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) September 17, 2014

Neymar again come closes for the home side after more good work from Messi, but the Brazilian's effort is deflected wide of the post. Can APOEL keep the score to 1-0 in the final moments of the half?

So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Barcelona leading 1-0 courtesy of a header from Pique. The home side have been in charge of the possession, but APOEL have had some good moments on the counter attack. It promises to be a fascinating second 45 minutes at the Camp Nou.

STATS! Barcelona have dominated the ball with 70% possession, while they have had five attempts, four of which have been on target. APOEL, meanwhile, have had just the one attempt off target. It has also been a lively half in terms of challenges, with the referee issuing two yellow cards.

BENCH WATCH! Barcelona boss Luis Enrique has a host of options on his bench this evening, with the likes of Iniesta, Rakitic, Rafinha and Sandro all in reserve. APOEL, meanwhile, have options in the shape of Constantinos Charalambides, Nektarios Alexandrou and Rafik Djebbour.

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. You just get the feeling that a second Barcelona goal would end APOEL's challenge. Barca get the second 45 minutes underway.

No changes from either manager at the interval, which is not too surprising at this stage of the match. However, I suspect that both managers will consider alterations if the score remains 1-0 for the next 15 minutes or so. As expected, the home side have taken control of the early second-half possession.

Barcelona want a penalty as Munir goes down inside the box under pressure from Carlao, but the referee is not interested. It would have been harsh on the centre-back. Barcelona continue to force the issue in a wide position, but the latest cross from Adriano is headed clear. Still 1-0 to the Spanish side.

Not too much to report in terms of chances in the early stages of the second half, but APOEL have hardly had the ball. It is like a training match as the home side continue to move the ball from left to right.

Better from APOEL in the last couple of minutes as a period of possession leads to Sheridan picking up the ball in the final third, but the former Celtic striker had moved into an offside position. We are still waiting for something big to happen in the second half. It has all been very low-key thus far.

Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of minutes, with both sides guilty of losing possession too easily in the final third. It would not be a surprise if Barca boss Enrique was considering making a change. He has plenty of attacking options on his bench that is for certain.

CHANCE! Good opportunity for Barcelona as Xavi delivers a brilliant cross into Neymar, but the Brazilian fluffs his lines at the vital moment. Still 1-0 to the home side with 57 minutes played.

CHANCE! First real sight of goal for APOEL as Nuno Morais meets a loose ball inside the box, but Bartra is on hand to make a fine block. End-to-end football in the last couple of minutes.

Still no movement on either bench, but we are getting to that stage where both managers will be considering changes. APOEL break forward with Sheridan, but the striker runs into the frame of Pique.

SUB! First change for Barcelona as Iniesta replaces Xavi.

SUB! APOEL also make a change as Manduca replaces Gomes.

It just is not quite happening for Neymar at the moment as the Brazilian again loses control in the final third. There is a sense of nervous energy in the crowd this evening. Munir bursts into life for the home side after driving past two defenders, but Carlao is on hand to make another brilliant challenge.

CHANCE! Brilliant chance for APOEL to level as Manduca's pace takes him into the final third, but the Brazilian cannot find Sheridan and Alves is across to clear at the vital moment.

Little over 20 minutes of football remaining and APOEL are having a real go here. Barcelona are preparing to make their second change, meanwhile, with Sandro preparing to enter the field.

GOAL DISALLOWED! Barcelona have the ball in the back of the net as Munir heads a Neymar header into the back of the net, but the youngster was in an offside position.

SUB! Barcelona make their second change as Sandro replaces Munir.

Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of minutes, but Barcelona are in control of the ball. APOEL will certainly fancy their chances of creating some sort of opportunity in the final 20 minutes. Barcelona really need a second, but they are struggling for that final pass it must be said.

Barcelona have a free kick on the edge of the box as Neymar is brought to the ground by Sergio...

... Iniesta floats the free kick towards the far post, but there are no takers. Goal-kick APOEL.

Barcelona are still yet to concede a goal this season, but APOEL are now taking more risks on the counter and will continue to do so as the match enters the latter stages. The Camp Nou crowd is nervous here.

Messi bursts into life for Barcelona after driving into the box, but he curls his final effort well wide of the post. It has been a poor second period from the home side it must be said. Still 1-0 Barca.

SUB! APOEL make their second change as Djebbour replaces Sheridan.

Sandro has a half-chance for Barcelona following a brilliant pass from Messi, but the youngster cannot move away from the challenge of Carlao, who has been excellent this evening. Barcelona again force the issue inside the box moments later, but Neymar cannot escape two challenges. Little over 10 minutes remaining.

CHANCE! Incredible chance for De Vicenti as the APOEL attacker meets a pass from Manduca inside the box, but he fluffs his effort wide of the post. What an opening for the away side.

SUBS! Rafinha replaces Roberto for Barcelona, while Constantinos Charalambides replaces De Vicenti for the away side. All six permitted changes have been made.

You just get the feeling that APOEL will cause problems in the final 10 minutes and it would not be a big surprise if they caused a shock here. Barcelona really need that second goal at this stage.

Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of minutes, but APOEL continue to force numbers into the final third. It will be a nervy last five minutes or so for the home supporters. Barcelona were expected to win by three or four this evening, but they have found it difficult against APOEL.

The referee has been called into action on a number of occasions in the last couple of moments and the latest occasion stops a Barcelona attack as Iniesta brings Manduca to the ground. Still 1-0 to the home side.

APOEL have the chance to threaten from a corner, but Pique is on hand to clear at the near post. APOEL have certainly had their moments this evening, but they might end up losing this by just the odd goal.

CHANCE! Barcelona come close to scoring a second as Sandro finds some space in the final third before driving one towards the bottom corner, but it just moves wide of the post.

CHANCE! The brilliant Carlao again blocks an effort from Messi after the Argentine had danced into the box. Carlao has been just brilliant for the away side tonight.

CHANCE! Neymar and Messi both come close for the home side, but the former is denied by Pardo, before Carlao makes a brilliant block to deny Messi from close range. It just had to be 2-0.

SAVE! Manduca comes close to securing a point for APOEL late on, but Ter Stegen is on hand to make a brilliant save. What a moment for the young goalkeeper.

So there we have it. Barcelona open their Group F campaign with a comfortable 1-0 win over APOEL. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Until next time!