Barcelona could face Dro reunion sooner than expected in Champions League
Barcelona's qualification to the Champions League Round of 16 could set up a dramatic early reunion with recently departed youngster Dro, who just joined PSG.
Barcelona’s direct qualification to the Champions League Round of 16 has opened the door to a potentially spicy reunion with their recently departed academy product, now at Paris Saint-Germain.
Champions League drama brewing
The new Champions League format is proving to be a right dog’s dinner, innit? Just when you thought the group stage was done and dusted, there’s another twist in the tale that could see Barcelona facing PSG in the knockout rounds - setting up an unexpectedly swift reunion with their former academy starlet Dro.
The talented youngster only confirmed his move to the French giants on Monday, and was already spotted in the stands cheering on his new club during their 1-1 draw against Newcastle. That result condemned both teams to the playoff round, meaning if PSG advance, they could potentially face Barça in the next stage.
January transfer complications
Dro couldn’t feature in yesterday’s match, similar to how Cancelo was unavailable for Barcelona, as both are January transfer window acquisitions. However, according to UEFA’s Article 46, clubs have until midnight on Thursday, February 5th to register up to three changes to their squads. This means the former La Masia graduate could be available for Luis Enrique’s side in the playoff fixtures.
Controversial departure
The youngster’s exit from Barcelona was proper controversial, to put it mildly. Neither the club nor gaffer Hansi Flick were chuffed about it. The German manager was absolutely fuming when he learned of the player’s decision to leave.
Flick had placed enormous faith in the lad:
- Gave him his breakthrough opportunity in the first team
- Handed him debuts in both La Liga and Champions League
- Clearly saw him as part of Barcelona’s future plans
Potential matchups
Barcelona finished fifth in the group phase and will face one of four possible opponents in the Round of 16: Qarabag, Monaco, Newcastle, or PSG. If the Parisians make it through, we’re in for a right Bobby Dazzler of a tie with plenty of narrative and spice to go around.