Barcelona now have a transparent concept of the 2 attainable opponents they might face within the spherical of 16 of the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League.
After an distinctive efficiency within the league section, the Blaugrana secured a top-eight end, which allowed them to advance on to the knockout stage whereas avoiding the playoff spherical.
With the draw scheduled for Friday, Hansi Flick’s squad is preparing for an important problem as they proceed their pursuit of a sixth Champions League trophy.
Which crew will Barcelona face?
One of many groups that may very well be drawn towards Barcelona is Benfica. The Portuguese giants secured their place within the subsequent spherical after defeating Monaco within the playoffs with an mixture rating of 4-2.
All through this Champions League marketing campaign, Benfica have displayed spectacular kind, combining a potent assault with a disciplined defensive construction.
Barcelona have already confronted Benfica on this season’s competitors, so they’re effectively conscious of the problem that awaits if they’re drawn towards them once more.
Enjoying on the Estadio da Luz isn’t straightforward, because the Lisbon aspect are typically notably sturdy at house.
Their final encounter in Portugal was a dramatic affair in tough climate situations, with Barcelona narrowly edging out a victory in a high-scoring contest.
Then there’s PSG
The opposite potential opponent for Barcelona within the spherical of 16 is Paris Saint-Germain. The French aspect secured their place on this stage by defeating Brest, profitable the primary leg 3-0 earlier than ending the job in Paris.
With Kylian Mbappe absent, Ousmane Dembele and Vitinha stepped as much as lead the crew by a tough playoff section.
If the draw pairs them with Barcelona, it is going to arrange one other intense European showdown between two golf equipment with loads of latest historical past within the competitors.
