The 2023/24 season hasn’t been a particularly good one for Barcelona.
After securing their first La Liga title in four years during the 2022/23 campaign, La Blaugrana have largely struggled to re-find both the defensive and offensive form which earned domestic dominance. What’s more, Xavi has decided to leave this coming summer.
But, despite domestic struggles, Barca have generally been quite good in Europe, booking their place in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League for the first time since 2020 as a result.
So, can they actually win the whole thing? We’ve taken a look at the reasons why they can.
At the tail-end of 2023, after a run of three goals in 15 Barca games it’s fair to say the Robert Lewandowski looked a bit washed. Since the turn of the year, however, he has been back to his brilliant best.
The forward has started to do what he does better than most footballers in the world again: score goals. A lot of them.
His two goals against Napoli in the round of 16 were the reason Barca progressed to the quarter-finals, and due to his penchant for scoring in big games, we’re expecting to bag a few more crucial goals in the latter stages of the competition.
While other clubs maybe get one generational talent coming through their youth academy every ten years or so, Barcelona are seemingly churning out two a season right now.
And the latest graduates may be the best in quite a long time.
In 17-year-old Pau Cubarsi, Barca have a defender capable of starting – and looking at home – in knockout round games of the Champions League.
In 16-year-old Lamine Yamal, Barca have the most exciting offensive talent arguably seen since Lionel Messi burst onto the scene 20 years ago.
Barcelona’s midfield has been depleted by injuries to Frenkie de Jong, Pedri and Gavi, and yet they look as solid as ever in the middle of the park. It tells you all you need to know about Andreas Christensen’s recent performances.
The ex-Chelsea man seems to have found a new home at the heart of Barca’s midfield, providing a solid base which has allowed the offensive players to concentrate on their duties in the final third.
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