Barça bypass play-offs with Copenhagen win, but PSG looms large in last 16
Barcelona secure direct qualification to Champions League round of 16, avoiding the play-off route, with potential heavyweight clash against PSG on the horizon.
Hansi Flick’s men have successfully navigated the Champions League group stage, finishing in the top eight to earn direct passage to the knockout rounds.
Barcelona managed to dodge a bullet last night, much like they did last season, by securing their spot directly in the Champions League round of 16. The Catalan giants took care of business against Copenhagen, and with results elsewhere falling their way, they’ve landed in the top eight of the standings - mission accomplished for Flick’s squad.
Avoiding the Play-off Scramble
This direct qualification is absolutely massive for the Blaugrana. Not only have they ticked off their first objective in the competition, but they’ve also saved themselves from playing two additional play-off matches - a proper result considering how jam-packed their fixture list has been in recent weeks.
After that disappointing defeat at Stamford Bridge, Barcelona set themselves the target of winning their final three group games against Eintracht, Slavia Prague and Copenhagen. The Catalans had to wait until the final matchday to secure their top-eight finish, but they’ve done the business when it mattered most.
Potential Last 16 Opponents
Barcelona will have to wait a bit longer to discover who they’ll face in the round of 16. The draw, which will also determine the quarter-final and semi-final brackets, takes place on February 27th after the play-offs are completed.
Their potential opponents include:
- Qarabag
- Monaco
- Newcastle
- PSG
That last one would be a proper tear-up, wouldn’t it? The prospect of facing the Parisian giants has Barcelona fans feeling a bit Pete Tong about their chances.
Home Advantage Secured
One significant advantage for Barcelona is that they’ll play the second leg at home, having finished among the top eight. The round of 16 ties will be played between March 10-11 and March 17-18.
As the competition heats up, Barça will fancy their chances against most of those potential opponents, but PSG certainly represents the banana skin they’ll hope to avoid when the balls get drawn next month.