After a perfect start in La Liga, with five consecutive victories, Barcelona is set to face a fresh challenge in the Champions League, a competition that has brought the club heartache in recent years. Following Lionel Messi’s memorable remark that the squad lacked the quality to triumph at the highest European level, Barça has struggled to advance past the group stage, even finding themselves in the Europa League on a few occasions.
Now, with newfound energy, the team enters the competition under Hansi Flick, the coach currently making waves in Spain. His outstanding start, both in terms of results and the team’s playing style, has surprised many, including the club itself. Barcelona’s high-pressing intensity over 90 minutes and their prolific goal-scoring abilities have become their trademarks.
A Revived Squad and Fan Optimism
Flick has revived key players like Lewandowski, Pedri, Koundé, and Raphinha, while also uncovering a gem in young talent Lamine Yamal, who is being hailed as a future star. Yamal’s rise has sparked hope among fans, reminding them of the Messi era, and reigniting their passion after a disappointing previous season.
However, the Champions League presents a different kind of challenge. The team still remembers last season’s crushing 1-4 defeat to PSG, which knocked them out of the tournament despite winning earlier at Parc des Princes. Barcelona is determined to reclaim their status as one of Europe’s elite, aiming to consistently reach the later stages of the competition.
A Tough Test Awaits
Barcelona faces Monaco tonight, a team that recently defeated them 3-0 in the Joan Gamper Trophy, a result that still lingers in memory. Although it was a friendly and the team had just returned from a demanding American tour, Flick is likely studying that game to identify solutions for tonight’s fixture.
Flick’s biggest concern is the lack of depth in the midfield. Injuries have plagued the team, with Gavi and De Jong still recovering from lingering issues from last season, while new injuries to Bernal, Fermin, Christensen, and Dani Olmo leave Barcelona short of options. Flick has just three natural midfielders available—Pedri, Casadó, and Pablo Torre—forcing him to look at versatile players like Raphinha and Eric García to fill the gaps.
