Arguably the favorites to finally bring home the Champions League after 12 gruesome and painful years, FC Barcelona kick off their Champions League on September 9th.
Opening the League Phase vs. Feyenoord
The Blaugrana open up their Champions League campaign by welcoming Van Persie’s men to the Camp Nou. Perhaps a clash where you can expect to see Barcelona give their fans an impressive showing, and what better way to do it than the opening Champions League fixture. A win would be expected, but an opening European match will always be a tough test.
A haunting trip to Turkiye
Their second game should prove to be a massive challenge as they will be travelling away to one of the most passionate grounds in European football. You can expect the Galatasaray crowd to fully get behind their men and make this a challenging atmosphere for the Blaugrana. Not to mention you can surely expect their attack of Leao, Osimhen and Yilmaz to give Barca’s backline a run for their money.
A heavyweight battle vs. PSG
This clash needs no introduction. PSG will be Barca’s toughest UCL test, and you can expect an exciting, end-to-end match filled with flair and plenty of goals. Paris Saint-Germain’s fluid attack can outmaneuver Barcelona’s high-line defense, but PSG’s defense can be equally vulnerable. Expect the outcome of this match to be determined in the midfield and by which team capitalizes on their scoring opportunities.
Hosting Villa and Man City, and a trip to Azerbaijan
Another tasty encounter at the Camp Nou will be when Barcelona take on Aston Villa. Coached by Unai Emery, Villa have what it takes to get a result, but Barcelona will like their chances at home. Following this Camp Nou clash, Barca will head on the road to Azerbaijan to face UCL debutants, Sabah FK.
One of the clashes to watch in this Champions League, Barcelona vs Man City is expected to be one of the blockbuster League Phase showdowns. This is a game that could go either way, but with Barcelona at home again, you expect them to potentially have the upper hand. Another goals-galore thriller is expected, and it will be interesting to see how well Manchester City are playing by that point of the season.
Closing the League Phase with Sporting and Como
Games away at Sporting are never easy. Arsenal barely pulled through last year in the Champions League and the Portuguese side have the chance to trouble another top side. Sporting have the quality to turn this clash in their favour. They will be looking to their marksman Luis Suarez to get in amongst the goals, but then again it’s difficult to bet against Barcelona.
Perhaps one of the most notable reunions, former La Masia product Cesc Fabregas will return to the Camp Nou to face his boyhood club for the first time as a manager. While Fabregas has a highly talented squad, they do not have experience at this level, and although we expect them to showcase some talent and display glimpses of brilliance, it won’t be enough to match Barcelona’s firepower.
