There’s no bigger objective for Barcelona this season than to conquer Europe for the first time since 2014–15.
The Champions League has become Barcelona’s biggest desire. After winning four of their five Champions League trophies between 2006–15, the Catalans are desperate to end their European title drought.
That desire only increased after getting so close a season ago. Barcelona were within seconds of the Champions League final until it all came crashing down, eventually losing in extra time to Inter Milan in one of the greatest, most dramatic semifinals in competition history.
Now, in Hansi Flick’s second season at the helm, Barcelona will look to go all the way. With marquee clashes against reigning holders Paris Saint-Germain and Club World Cup champions Chelsea during the league phase, Los Blaugranas will be battle tested for the eventual knockout rounds.
Here’s Barcelona’s 23-man squad for the UEFA Champions League league phase.
Lamine Yamal
Lamine Yamal promised to bring the Champions League trophy back to Barcelona. / Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images
Player Age Position
Joan García 24 GK
Marc-André ter Stegen 33 GK
Wojciech Szczęsny 35 GK
Jules Koundé 26 RB
Eric García 24 RB/CB
Ronald Araújo 26 CB
Pau Cubarsí 18 CB
Andreas Christensen 29 CB
Alejandro Balde 21 LB
Gerard Martín 23 LB
Marc Casadó 21 CM
Gavi 21 CM
Marc Bernal 18 CM
Pedri 22 CM
Frenkie de Jong 28 CM
Lamine Yamal 18 RW
Roony Bardghji 19 RW
Dani Olmo 27 AM
Fermín López 22 AM
Raphinha 28 LW
Marcus Rashford 27 LW
Robert Lewandowski 37 ST
Ferran Torres 25 ST
Barcelona will have a formidable side for the league phase. It’s a team full of young, world-class players such as Lamine Yamal, Pedri and Pau Cubarsí, with elite veterans that are difference-makers like Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Frenkie de Jong.
All three of Bracelona’s summer transfer window signings, Joan García, Marcus Rashford and Roony Bardghji, were registered without trouble and will be available for Champions League matches.
There aren’t many surprises on the list, but there are two names specifically that catch the eye.
Club captain Marc-André ter Stegen won’t be available until late December after undergoing back surgery. However, the league phase runs all the way until January and the German could potentially feature then. Although, some believe he’s a candidate to leave the club the second half of the season to fully pass the torch to García.
The other interesting inclusion is 18-year-old midfielder Marc Bernal. The La Masia graduate started the first three games of the Flick era but has been sidelined for over a year due to an ACL injury. Bernal is nearing a return, and considering many believe him to be the heir to Sergio Busquets and the future of Barcelona’s midfield, he may play a role deeper into the season
Barcelona could also potentially call-up players from their B team (Barça Atlètic) for Champions League matches.
As evidenced by the list above, Flick has one of the most powerful squads in Europe at his disposal to finish in the top eight of the league phase and secure direct qualification to the Champions League round of 16.
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