Ernesto Valverde sprung a surprise by selecting Arturo Vidal in his starting XI against Liverpool on Wednesday evening, yet the Chilean was Barcelona's warrior.
He ended up as one of the team's best performers at the Camp Nou, his last ditch tackle on Sadio Mane allowed the hosts to keep their clean sheet in the dying seconds of the match.
Having lived through a mixed debut season in Catalonia, the former Juventus star played his best game for Los Cules at the most opportune moment.
One of the concerns for Barcelona heading into the match was just how intense Liverpool's pressing game would be, yet Vidal was installed to battle against that.
Amongst the finesse of Sergio Busquets, Gerard Pique and Ivan Rakitic, it was Vidal who was the rough edge who approached the first leg of the semi-final like a man possessed.
He ran and ran and ran, putting Liverpool's own midfield under the huge pressure that they've been accustomed to watching, rather than being on the receiving end of.
"Arturo is having a great end to the season, he's been key in matches like this," Valverde explained in his post-match press conference.
"Opponents like this don't allow you to dominate the game, but we wanted to take advantage of Vidal's fitness.
"We had no doubts about him."
Barcelona were too passive in their embarrassing defeat to Roma in the former Athletic Club coach's first season, and a player of the Chilean's style didn't allow the Catalan giants to repeat such a failure.
The summer signing from Bayern Munich has added something unique to the Barcelona squad, and it's exactly why he's played almost 3000 minutes this term.
His 48 appearances have shown himself to be a complete juxtaposition to the club's other midfielders, but perhaps that's what Valverde needed for his system to work in the Champions League?
The Spanish coach isn't as unique as Pep Guardiola in his attacking style, and has been the subject of intense criticism because of that, however few can doubt he knows how to get the best out of players such as Vidal.
Harry_99
225
The man with 3 lungs. Our WARRIOR โฅ๏ธ๐ฅ
oz_nuestro
190
Vidal did not ran out of strength yesterday even when his jersey was torn he did not change it he continued the match.. My man of steel.
Moomin17
111
Why is Mane Still alive? Vidal : There is 2nd leg too ๐๐๐
Mayyu_Foyez
109
Vidal is a real fighter for the team.
Konlmnoprs
84
he plays a bit rough, and that's exactly what barca want
Longlife2000
81
Vidal: "I would give everything to win Champions League. I will leave my life on the second game & I hope to play the big final." You won our heart โค๐
fondsty
78
Marking King , Tackle King , he always fight till the end
Obed-messi
67
He's indeed a warrior of Barcelona who dominated much better by running a day running plus stopping the so call speedsters in Lipool
Emmanuel4jesus12
67
he is a perfect signing for Barcelona this season, His physicality is very phenomenal. I hope the coach will rest him on Saturday because of the second leg to defend more aggressively
Widaiprs
65
Barca has always needed a player who can do the dirty work which would in turn allow teams to wear off. Barca lacked that against Roma in the second leg and if Vidal had played that match would not have ended that way
Piccimtz
63
vidal of all the club you change to win the champion league . you have pick the best club I can guarantee you that you will win this one with the best club .your hard ship will make you win it . your dream is going to come tru this time
Longlife2000
59
At the verge of turning 32, Arturo Vidal runs like a maniac and improves Barcelona's play in all facets of the game. Vidal is like a child whose parents give him an hour and a half of absolute freedom to play in any corner of the house without restrictions.
messilapulga_10
58
Vidal lungs last night
yeakmptyz
56
Mr Vidal man of warrior for barca we do appreciate ur effort. king of football Messi still supporting u and the team mates.
saodeikru
49
Juventus: 8 consecutive League titles Vidal: 8 consecutive League titles They are on the same level
vipulyadav
32
he could have slapped mane back but he didn't do it because he has respect for players . he just tried to motivate mane and mane slapped him back . that's what you say is loosing attitude. from yesterday I am hating mane a lot , being a player he should not disrespect any other player . mane did wrong . I surely think that mane deserved a card for what he did.