Barcelona has qualified for the next stage of the UEFA Champions League 2024-2025 campaign. After the game against Atalanta ended in a draw, Barcelona missed the opportunity to claim the final three points.
Barcelona missed the top spot.
Before yesterday’s game against Atalanta, Barcelona were second in the Champions League group phase table. Barcelona had 18 points before the game and were 3 points behind the leader Liverpool.
Barcelona had a golden opportunity to clinch the top spot in the Champions League after Liverpool FC lost their game against PSV. Barcelona needed a win to claim the first spot as Liverpool and Barcelona would’ve been level on points. Barcelona had a better goal difference than Merseyside and would’ve been on top if they won against Atalanta.
Possible Opponents
The teams who were not able to make their way into the top 8 of the Champions League league phase table did not qualify for the Round of 16.
These teams will play 2 Playoff games to qualify for the Round of 16. As Barcelona and Liverpool were the top 2 teams, their possible opponents for the round of 16 are AS Monaco, PSG, Brest, and Benfica.
PSG
In my opinion, Barcelona should face any team from above except PSG. PSG started their Champions League campaign with a dodgy start, they had a poor start but switched their gear and won against teams like Man City to get a place in the Playoff round. Although this season has been a revenge season for Barcelona, we also have some unfinished business with the Parisians but I would avoid them because of their lethal attacking power. Likes of Barcola and Dembele could hurt Barcelona’s offside trap heavily. I still believe Barcelona will be able to beat PSG but still avoiding a major danger would be better.
AS Monaco
We already faced Monaco in the League Phase of the Champions League, that game didn’t end well. Barcelona lost 2-1 after Eric Garcia’s early red card. Despite the previous loss in France, I think Barcelona will be able to beat Monaco easily this time.
SL Benfica
Barcelona faced Benfica in the second last league phase game. This game was full of drama and nerves as Barcelona won 5-4 away from home. Our defense was exposed in this whole game and the atmosphere in Portugal really affected our performance. If we face Benfica, I think this will be a tricky one for us.
Brest
Brest will be the easiest game for Barcelona, we faced Brest in the league phase where we comfortably won 3-0. If we get Brest, it will be an easy run for Barcelona to go through to the quarter-finals.