Blaugrana triumph and future expectations
FC Barcelona have secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Manchester City, securing top spot in their group in the Champions League group stage. Now, the team led by Pere Romeu must wait to find out their possible opponents in the next round, with the draw scheduled for February 7.
Barça’s possible opponents
In this quarter-final stage, Barça could face three prominent rivals: Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Wolfsburg. All three teams have been regular opponents for the Blaugrana in past seasons, which adds a layer of expectation to the competition.
A new chapter of the classic
Real Madrid finished second in the group they share with Chelsea, with two defeats against the English side and four wins in other matches. If the draw determines a clash between the two teams, it would be the second time they have met in this round of the Champions League, after the duel in the 2021-2022 season, where Barça won with an aggregate of 6 to 2.
Wolfsburg’s record
Wolfsburg, on the other hand, have had a more difficult journey, finishing second in their group with just nine points, behind Olympique Lyon. However, the Blaugrana fondly remember one of their last encounters against this team, as in the 2023 Champions League final they achieved a memorable comeback after losing 2-0 in the first half.
A duel with history
Wolfsburg were also the team that eliminated Barça in the 2020 Champions League, in a tournament marked by the pandemic. However, the Blaugrana have shown that they know how to deal with pressure, as they did in the recent final, with a result that left its mark.
Bayern Munich, an experienced rival
Bayern Munich are the third possible candidate. Finishing second in Group C, the Germans have been a formidable force in European football, with a rich history in club competitions. Their recent performance in the group stage has been quite competitive, finishing with 13 points.
Previous clashes
The last time Barça and Bayern met was during the 2018-2019 season, where the Blaugrana advanced to the competition with tight wins in both games. The memories of that tie, as well as the final lost against Olympique de Lyon, are a reminder of the ups and downs that the competition can bring.
A look into the future
With the draw in sight, Barça fans are eagerly awaiting their quarter-final opponents. Each potential opponent brings with them a wealth of stories and emotions that could define the club’s path to European glory. The decisive phase promises to be an exciting spectacle.