Barcelona qualified for the Champions League Round of 16 after claiming the 2nd spot in the League Phase, just 3 points behind Liverpool. When the Play-Off stage draw took place (for teams who finished below 8th position), the 4 possible opponents for Barcelona were AS Monaco, PSG, Brest, and Benfica.
The Play-off round has ended and the 2 out of 4 teams that qualified for the Round of 16 are, PSG and SL Benfica. PSG won against Brest comfortably with a total aggregate of 10-0, whereas SL Benfica had a hard time against AS Monaco, but managed to win the game with a one-goal lead in a dramatic tie.
SL Benfica: IF We Meet Again
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 affected our performance. If we face Benfica, I think this will be a tricky one for us but an easier tie than PSG, but the PSG game mentality will be different due to the reasons mentioned below.
PSG: AN Opportunity for Revenge
Barcelona was knocked out by PSG in the Round of 16 in 2021 and from the quarter-finals in 2024. Last year the tie got a bit personal, not because of Mbappe but because of a former Barcelona star hurting us.
When Dembele was at Barcelona, his period with the club was not the best-looming with injuries, inconsistent performances, and unnecessary criticisms. But the club and the fans fully backed Dembele, they knew this kid had something special and will be able to show in the coming years. Xavi was the one who had the most trust in the Frenchmen and tried to convince him to stay, but Dembele left the club last year to play for PSG.
Last year when PSG drew against Barcelona, the first leg ended in a 2-3 win for Barcelona where Dembele scored against Barcelona and celebrated with full pride, usually when players score against their ex-club they show a sort of respect, especially after a player received home-like treatment from the club.
The real controversy was in the 2nd leg, where PSG thrashed Barcelona 4-1 and Dembele again scored and celebrated with no shame. When the match was about to end a camera panned on Demeble at the bench where the Frenchmen gave a little smirk which hurt many Barcelona fans.
This year, we have a 50-50 chance to draw against PSG and we will be looking for revenge. Every Barcelona fan has a hate for Dembele after that gesture and will be ready to take on any challenge in their way.