Barcelona has easily secured a place in this season’s UEFA Champions League Round of 16 and now awaits the draw to determine their next opponent. After finishing second in the league phase, the Catalans are set to face four potential opponents: Brest, Benfica, Monaco, or PSG.
Fans have run wild with speculation. Some want revenge against Paris, but others prefer a less nervy game against Brest. Let’s break down the four possibilities and assess what each match could mean for Flick’s men.
Why Brest is Barca’s Best Bet
If I could handpick Barca’s round-of-16 opponent from the lot, it would definitely be Brest. The French club has performed decently in the league phases and reached the round of 16. However, in comparison to the other three teams, Brest lacks squad depth and European eliteness and is the least-threatening club to Barca.
Eric Roy’s team has low experience in high-stakes KO games and has not been consistent this season. Barca faced the club back in November, and easily won 3-0 against them. However, the Blaugrana must also avoid complacency after struggle against defensive-minded teams this season. Other than that, drawing Brest should be the least problematic for Barca out of the four.
Can Barcelona Handle PSG’s Firepower Again?
Upon the long list of UCL vengeance on Barcelona, PSG is another hot entry. After the humiliating exit last season through the hands of PSG, many culers hope for this draw as it offers an excellent opportunity to settle things against the club and its number 10.
PSG has firepower in the likes of Barcola, Hakimi, and Dembele. I have personally watched Barclola quite a lot this season, and he has been on fire. The Frenchman has bagged 14 goals and five assists in all competitions, and he could be a serious threat to Barca’s high line. Barca’s key to winning the tie would be controlling the midfield and preventing PSG from turning the game into an open contest. A potential clash against Paris would be high-stakes and dramatic for the Catalans.
The Dark Horses: Benfica FC
The recent, high-intensity Remontada game against Benfica must have given Flick a lot of homework. Benfica scored four past the Barcelona defence, showed tactical discipline and intensity, and caught us off-guard several times.
Benfica are surely the dark horses out of the other three opponents, as their strong defensive structure and counterattacking efficiency could pose problems for Barca. Although Barcelona’s technical superiority and form should give them an edge over the two legs, the Catalans will have to avoid individual errors and finish chances if they face Benfica.
Monaco’s Tactical Discipline: A Real Test for Barcelona
Monaco might be the most unpredictable of the four. The French team not only defeated Barcelona pre-season in the Gamper Trophy but also handed Barcelona its only defeat yet in the Champions League this season. Coach Adolf Hutter has infused strong discipline in the young team, which makes them a very tricky opponent for Barca.
Still, Barcelona would start the tie as favourites, and the Catalans are expected to win the draw comprehensively if it takes place.
The Champions League is heating up as the knockout stages are officially starting. The draw will be in a few hours today. Barcelona will look to proceed comfortably to the next round, regardless of the opponent. Visca Barca!