Make or break for Barca against in-form Werder

MADRID, Dec 4 (Reuters) Barcelona are ready to pull out all the stops in their make-or-break clash against Werder Bremen tomorrow to ensure they do not become the first holders to exit the Champions League at the group stage.

No previous defending champions have fallen at the first hurdle since the competition was revamped in 1992, but nothing less than a win at the Nou Camp will prevent the Catalans suffering that fate.

Barca's only victories in this season's Champions League have come against Group A whipping boys Levski Sofia and the pressure is on Frank Rijkaard's side.

''We have no choice but to win on Tuesday,'' in-form midfielder Andres Iniesta told reporters. ''Werder are a very strong team but we are very motivated and the possibility of getting knocked out hasn't even entered our heads.

''For us it will be like a final. Both teams know each other well, but we are confident we can go through.'' Barca beat Werder 3-1 at home at the same stage last season, but with leading striker Samuel Eto'o and Argentine teenager Lionel Messi injured, the main burden of responsibility will fall on Ronaldinho.

With that fact in mind, Rijkaard decided it was too risky to field the Brazilian in Saturday's league match at Levante, which his side drew 1-1.

Rijkaard admitted his team had not been on top form, but said it would be a different story against Werder.

''We didn't play well, but we knew it would be a tough game,'' he said. ''But the result won't affect us and we are all confident and really looking forward to a great match tomorrow.'' Rijkaard's only other injury worry is Mexican centre-back Rafael Marquez who is nursing an ankle problem and will be doubtful up to the last minute.

Werder warmed up for the Nou Camp showdown with a 3-1 victory over Hertha Berlin, their third successive win.

Thomas Schaaf's side lost their opening Group A match away to Chelsea but they are right back in contention after taking 10 points from the next four games.

Their excellent run has come as no great surprise to followers of the Bundesliga, where for the past two seasons Werder have been the best attacking side.

This season they have a more solid defence thanks to Per Mertesacker's partnership with the Brazilian Naldo at centre-back.

Miroslav Klose scored two of Werder's goals against Hertha on Saturday. Brazilian playmaker Diego got the other and if those two players are at their best nothing will be beyond Werder on Tuesday.

''We're in pretty good shape and I think we can travel with a lot of self-belief,'' Werder's sporting director Klaus Allofs told reporters. ''We've got a chance to pull off a sensational result.'' Probable teams: Barcelona: 1-Victor Valdes; 11-Gianluca Zambrotta, 5-Carles Puyol, 4-Rafa Marquez or 21-Lilian Thuram, 12-Giovanni van Bronckhorst; 20-Deco, 15-Edmilson, 24-Andres Iniesta; 8-Ludovic Guily, 10-Ronaldinho, 7-Eidur Gudjohnsen Werder Bremen: 18-Tim Wiese; 8-Clemens Fritz, 29-Per Mertesacker, 4-Naldo, 5-Pierre Wome; 24-Tim Borowski, 22-Torsten Frings, 10-Diego, 20-Daniel Jensen; 11-Miroslav Klose, 23-Hugo Almeida Referee: Massimo Busacca (Switzerland) Reuters PM GC0904