It has been years since Barcelona fielded a team that was genuinely capable of conquering the world. This year, Hansi Flick has brewed something special.
With just over two months to go in the campaign, Barcelona are legitimately in the race in La Liga, the UEFA Champions League and the Copa del Rey.
One game separates them from the cup trophy and La Liga will likely be in the bag if they manage to beat Real Madrid in the vital Clasico next month.
The UEFA Champions League, thus, is the competition where they are the most distant from the title.
There is a lot of work left in the European competition and the next hurdle Barcelona face is Borussia Dortmund in the quarterfinal. The first of the two legs against Niko Kovac’s side will be played tonight in Catalonia and the next instalment is scheduled next week.
Flick’s side enter the game off a draw against Real Betis and will be raring to get back to winning ways in the premier competition.
Barça Universal brings you three talking points ahead of Barcelona vs Borussia Dortmund.
Freshness needed
Barcelona’s result against Real Betis midweek was understandable given the fatigue accumulating in players’ legs. Tonight, however, there is simply no margin for any complacency.
The Catalans looked tired against Real Betis with several key players including Lamine Yamal and Raphinha not up to their usual quality.
There has not been long to rest after that debacle, but Flick will hope his team can channel the required energy against Borussia Dortmund.
Fresh legs are the key to Hansi Flick’s demanding and intensive system, for players are required to track back and be vicious off the ball. Should Barcelona regain their freshness for the game today, they will be the overwhelming favourites.
Particular emphasis will be on the likes of Pedri, Jules Kounde, and Yamal who have had barely any rest since the return of club football. Their form on the night may well define the result.
A big home leg
Playing the second leg at home is always an advantage in the UEFA Champions League, and Barcelona had that boost in the Round of 16 against Benfica.
Despite finishing second in the league phase, however, the draw was not kind to the Catalans who must play the second leg in the quarterfinal away from home. In fact, even a potential semifinal would see them in the same condition.
The game tonight at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, thus, is massive for Barcelona given that they will have the fans behind their back. Needless to say, the more they capitalize on the night, the better.
Barcelona’s objective later tonight, thus, will be to take a dominant lead on aggregate to ease the pressure next week in Germany.
Precise finishing, needless to say, will be of the essence especially if the previous meeting between the two teams is considered and all forwards will need to fire on all cylinders.
Midfield will be key
When Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund met earlier this season in the Champions League, they needed to mount a late comeback to take the win over the Germans.
What was clear after the game, however, was that the midfield battle was of supremacy and the department where Barcelona proved their dominance.
The Catalans’ quality in the middle of the park has been sensational this season, especially after Frenkie de Jong and Pedri joined forces as the defensive pivot.
Dani Olmo’s availability would have been ideal, but in his absence, Fermin Lopez will act as an able stand-in No. 10.
With Dortmund missing Nico Schlotterbeck, the Blaugrana have a great chance of controlling the game from start to finish and it will be key that Pedri and De Jong impose themselves early in the night.
Dortmund are expected to start with the likes of Julian Brandt and Carney Chukwuemeka in the middle of the park and it is clear that Barcelona have more quality and fluidity through the middle.
The only question that remains to be answered is whether the players in the department have the required fuel in their tanks. After all, the schedule is not getting any lighter and fatigue is catching up.
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