Champions League Special : The Favourites part II
Find out why Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Manchester City are our favourites
FC BARCELONA
The 5-time European Champion’s last won the Cup in 2014-15
Barça need no introduction but how have they gone from being knocked out of last years competition in the quarter-final stage by Juventus to being title contenders this season. Their defence, which completely fell apart in Turin last season against the eventual finalists Juventus is certainly much better organised. Barça, who were unbeaten in the group stage, conceded only 1 goal in 6 games – the best record of all the teams.
Barça remain unbeaten this season in La Liga and have set a new club record with 22 games without a defeat in the competition. Barça have been in top form and have the game to challenge any team this season. We need not mention how effective their strike force of Luis Suarez and Leo Messi have been so far. The dynamic duo is in sensational form. Messi has scored 20 goals and Suarez has 16 goals thus far in La Liga.
Despite their powerful attack, Barca’s key improvement and strength this season is their midfield. Their leaders in midfield Iniesta, Rakitic and Busquets are also thriving. Iniesta has just been sensational with his technique, passing and vision while Busquets has found his mark again with great tackles and key ball retrieval’s for Barça. Rakitic has also been amazing in midfield this season and has played much better than he did last season. We expect the Croatia international to have major impact in their bid this year. They have also added the promising Semedo at right-back and have the reliable Sergi Roberto also at right-back or on the wing. The balance is much better than it was last season and the players are rejuvenated in the new line-up.
They have built a solid midfield foundation with the signing of Paulinho. His contribution, both going forward and defensively, has been immense for Barca this season. Paulinho has had the effect Casemiro had when he arrived in Real Madrid’s midfield, but what Paulinho also adds, is goals. He has been one of the best midfielders in La Liga having scored 8 goals for Barça this season.
He has changed their dynamic, with his excellent positioning and blocking abilities he was exactly the style of player Barça needed in their team – a midfielder who can also get forward from deep positions.
New signings of the season Paulinho and Dembélé have enabled the new coach Valverde to play a different system than former coach Luis Enrique as they can both be used on the right. It has freed Messi from the right-wing and enabled him to return to his natural number 10 role in the center or up front alongside Luis Suarez. Now the team has several options in midfield and Valverde can also rotate his squad or make changes to the system if required.
Dembélé has been very good when he has featured for Barça this season. His technical ability and pace have been evident and the youngster has shown he has a lot of potential. The arrival of Coutinho from Liverpool in January will add an extra boost to their game and though he is yet to have notable impact for Barça, it is no doubt that the talented Brazilian will play his part in this season’s knock-out stage of the Champions league.
Barça have impressed from the stronger attacking left side. With Iniesta and Jordi Alba on that flank, the Spaniards have been wonderful and provided width and a number of assists for Messi and Suarez. They will be key to the success of the team in the next round. Barça also concede fewer goals when the pair play together as its very difficult to get past them.
Barça have been able to apply the various systems that Valverde plays and his new players are adapting well to the team. We expect Barça to qualify against Chelsea in the next round.
Next Game: round of 16
Barcelona – Chelsea
Our outlook: Barcelona to Qualify
Football Fanatix 