Barça is one of the underdogs in the quarter-finals of the premier class – and should feel very comfortable in this role.
FC Barcelona’s 3-1 win against SSC Napoli in the second leg of the Champions League round of 16 was an important one for Xavi’s coaching career. Although he has already won a major title (LaLiga 2023), he has not yet shown that he has what it takes in Europe.
No team has a natural right to international success across generations. But Barça as a brand, team and institution is too big to miss the most important games of the season. But from 2020 to 2023, the Catalans have only suffered disappointments in Europe.
They have not been a serious challenger since Lionel Messi promised at Camp Nou before the 2018/19 season that the club would soon win the Champions League again. A legendary 0-4 defeat at Anfield in 2019, the infamous elimination against FC Bayern Munich (2-8) in 2020 and elimination in the group phase in 2022 and 2023 made the Blaugrana a laughing stock in Europe.
The duel with Napoli on Tuesday was a chance to show that the Blaugrana are a force to be reckoned with again. And there was enough to see that Barça have a lot to offer this season.
Xavi’s protégés, a mixture of super talent and experienced forces, impressed at both ends of the pitch and ultimately deservedly made it into the round of the last eight teams. The top favorites for the title may be others, but this Barça team is currently stoking confidence among their own fans.
2024-03-13 12:28:12
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