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Karine Grigoryan

13-09-2018 | 20:17 Football
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FC Barcelona. Route to Champions League success

Champions League is already next week and FC Barcelona will be playing against PSV, Tottenham and Inter Milan. The group stage might not be a problem for the Blaugranas, but the team has had some problems while playing away during this few years. After the treble winning season, Barcelona has poor away game statistics. In 2014/2015 Barcelona has scored 18 times in the away games and conceded 2 times less. Since 2015/16 season, the team has scored less than in 2014/15 season and conceded more (13 goals scored, 19 conceded). Barcelona’s statistics from last year’s Champions League tell us that the team has played 10 games, scored 17 times and conceded 6 goals. The team was having a good start by winning 6 times, drawing 3 and losing 1. You might think that one loss is nothing but it depends on the situation. For Barcelona, that one loss ended all hopes for becoming the champions. The first leg of quarter-finals was at Camp Nou, where Barcelona won 4-1 against Roma. But the away game decided everything. Roma scored 3 times, without conceding any, and won on the away goals. Let’s take a look and see who are Barcelona’s opponents.

Barcelona vs PSV

Last time Barcelona has played against PSV in Champions League was in 1997/98 season, group stage , where the teams drew two times with the same score (2-2). Last 6 match statistics: Barcelona scored 17 goals, won 4 times and lost 2. Currently is 1st in la liga with 9points. PSV scored 20 goals and has won all their last 6 matches and are 1st in Eredivisie with 12 points.

Tottenham vs Barcelona

Last time Barcelona met Tottenham was in the International Champions Cup during this summer. Game ended with a draw (2-2), but Barcelona won 5-2 on penalties. Tottenham’s last 6 match statistics are: Won 4 times, lost 2. Scored 11 goals. Barcelona’s last 6 match statistics are: Won 4 times, lost 2. Scored 17 goals. Tottenham has 9 points so far and is 5th in the Premier League

Barcelons vs Inter Milan

Latest meeting with Inter in the Champions League, was in 2009/10 ½ final. Inter won 3-1 in the first leg and then lost 1-0 but qualified for the final and were crowned as champions. Inter Milan with 4 points is 7th in Serie A. So what or who will be the key of Barcelona’s success in the Champions League this season?

Squad depth

Maintaining separate teams for Copa Del Rey, UCL and LaLiga games, would be a perfect start. With the likes of Arthur, Lenglet, Malcom, and Vidal coming in, the squad depth is very good. Barcelona would be one step ahead of the opposition.

Philippe Coutinho and Ousmane Dembele

Philippe Coutinho was unable to play for Barcelona in UCL last season, but he can help  his team this season. Coutinho is a versatile player. He can play in any position he is asked to. This season Dembele has shown his worth, and he has worked very hard to try and fit in. His hard work and patience have yielded results, and so far he has been excellent for Barcelona in LaLiga. This duo together are the key to opening the door to Champions League title.

Lionel Messi’s importance for Barcelona

The Argentine star is very well loved and appreciated by Barcelona fans because of his contribution in the team games. Every time Messi has scored in Barcelona's opening league game the club have gone on to win the Champions League that season. In the 2008/09 season, the Argentine scored against Racing in the first league game before Barcelona beat Manchester United in the final. In 2011 La Liga giants beat The Red Devils again and Messi once again scored in the first league game, against Racing again. And in the 2014/15 season he scored against Elche in his side's opening La Liga game before Barcelona beat Juventus in the Champions League final. Barcelona kicked off their latest league campaign with a 3-0 win over Alaves - and Messi bagged a brace. If we trust this statistics, Barcelona is going to be crowned as 2018/19 Champions League winners. One thing left for Barcelona fans is to sit back and wait for the team to rise and win what they expect them to win.

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