Thursday saw the draw for the League Phase of the UEFA Champions League, and it’s fair to say that Barcelona got a reasonably tricky set of fixtures.
The Blaugranes can surely take heart from their performance in the premier European competition last season, when Hansi Flick’s high-risk, high-reward high line almost landed the squad with another Final berth.
Whilst there were a few heart-stopping moments the entertainment value was sky high, and if that can be replicated in this season’s competition, who knows how far Barcelona can go this time.
Let’s take a look at the teams they’ll have to meet - and hopefully beat - in order to get through to the knockout stages once more.
Paris Saint-Germain
Photo by Xavier Laine/Getty Images
Photo by Xavier Laine/Getty Images
The current Champions League holders and arguably the best team in the tournament last season.
Barça will face them at home in what is surely going to be one of the ties of the League Phase.
Luis Enrique and Ousmane Dembele up against their old club again adds another layer of intrigue to a game in which the Catalans will have to be at their very best.
Photo by Chelsea Football Club/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Chelsea Football Club/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Another of the toughest potential games comes against Club World Cup winners, Chelsea, at Stamford Bridge.
Though Barça have some wonderful memories in West London, Enzo Maresca’s side look a tough nut to crack at home.
A win at the Bridge would send a message regarding a title tilt in the best possible way.
Eintracht Frankfurt
For anyone believing that the game against the Germans will be a walk over, Culers only need to look back to the Europa League match at the Camp Nou three years ago as a reference.
That game was arguably one of the lowest recent points at the club, and using that game as motivation will be necessary.
Club Brugge
Any team that can win 9-1 on aggregate in the Champions League, as Club Brugge did against Rangers in the final qualifying stage, has something about them in an attacking sense.
In front of their own fans the Belgians will be keen to spring a shock, so Barça will have to be on their guard in this one.
Olympiacos
Had this game been in Greece, it could’ve proved to be a tricky tie, but home advantage should see Hansi Flick’s side take this one.
As with any of the other ties in the league phase, complacency will be Barça’s enemy.
Let’s not forget that they won last season’s Greek Super League conceding just 16 goals in the regular stage of the competition.
Slavia Prague
Barcelona have only faced Slavia Prague twice before, in the 2019/20 Group Stage.
A 0-0 draw at the Camp Nou in Matchday 4 followed a 2-1 away win for the Catalans, though Barça weren’t that convincing in either game.
This one will also be a chance for Barca to again push home an advantage in the League Phase and make life easier for themselves, assuming that this isn’t one of the last fixtures in this particular stage.
Copenhagen
Roony Bardghji gets an immediate chance to play against his old team should the manager decide to allow the youngster to play some part.
Depending on when this particular fixture falls, Flick may be able to rotate his squad heavily, allowing his tried and trusted generals to concentrate on the important league games to come.
Back in 1997/98, the Magpies enjoyed one of the greatest night’s in their history when beating the Catalans 3-2.
After beating PSG 4-1 at St. James’ Park not so long ago, Eddie Howe and his side might fancy a repeat, however, in the three fixtures between the sides since that epic encounter, Barcelona have won them all.
The Toon Army will be in full voice so it’s up to Barça to silence them.
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