Barca the fearless underdogs nobody will want to face!
Barcelona may not be on par with Europe's top-tier teams, but Xavi's youthful squad embraces the challenge of being considered underdogs in the Champions League.
Having made it to the quarter-finals of the Champions League for the first time since 2020, Barcelona have everything to gain and little to lose.
Undoubtedly, Barcelona's 3-1 victory over Napoli in the Champions League knockout stages was a significant moment in Xavi's career trajectory. Despite having secured one major trophy already, success in continental competition was crucial for him. The same applied to Barcelona as a whole.
While some teams may be considered perennial winners, there's no inherent entitlement to success. However, Barcelona, with their esteemed brand and history, feel too prominent to be mere spectators during the pinnacle moments of the season. Nonetheless, recent years have seen the Catalans endure a string of disappointments in European competitions.
Since Lionel Messi's declaration at Camp Nou prior to the 2018-19 season, where he vowed Champions League victory, Barcelona has failed to mount serious challenges. The unforgettable collapse against Liverpool in 2019, the humiliating defeat to Bayern Munich in 2020, and consecutive group-stage exits in 2022 and 2023 have left the Blaugrana as objects of ridicule in European football.
The match against Napoli presented an opportunity for Barcelona to demonstrate that they can, at least temporarily, regain their footing on the grand stage of club football. There were promising signs from Barcelona in this game, hinting that they might have the potential to achieve something remarkable in this season's Champions League, despite being considered significant underdogs.
Barcelona showcased a convincing performance on both offense and defense, blending youthful talent with seasoned experience to secure a composed victory. While they may not be widely expected to advance beyond the quarter-finals, this youthful squad appears poised to finally ignite excitement among Cules.
A solid performance
A notable critique of Barcelona this season, regardless of the outcome, has been the lackluster quality of their performances. This isn't a recent development; Barcelona's play wasn't particularly captivating last season either, with their solid defense being the main factor behind their league title rather than the trademark tiki-taka style associated with the club. However, this season has seen a decline in their form due to fatigue, injuries, and an increase in goals conceded.
Nevertheless, Barcelona showed a notable improvement in this match. They swiftly scored two goals within 17 minutes, with Fermin Lopez and Joao Cancelo finding the net. Raphinha played a pivotal role in both goals, providing an assist and seeing his shot rebound off the post for Cancelo to convert from a difficult angle.
Throughout the game, Barcelona relied heavily on Yamal, who continually posed a threat with his skillful dribbling and creativity on the wing, creating opportunities for Barcelona's attacking line. While Napoli managed to score a goal through Amir Rrahmani, Barcelona remained relatively untroubled for the most part, maintaining control of the game despite facing a few nervy moments. Their third goal, scored late in the game, was perhaps long overdue but thoroughly deserved.
Is Lamine Yamal the next Messi in the making?
It's a question on many lips after witnessing his impact on the field. The 16-year-old winger has been Barcelona's standout attacking threat, boasting an impressive record of six goals and seven assists since arriving in Catalonia. While he didn't find the net in this match, Yamal was the catalyst for Barcelona's positive play, tormenting Mario Rui with his sharp movements and clever turns.
Yamal's greatest asset lies in his unpredictability; opponents struggle to anticipate his next move as he seamlessly switches between feet and exploits tight spaces. While comparisons to Lionel Messi may be premature, there's no denying the enigmatic talent of Europe's brightest prospect.
Xavi must carefully manage Yamal's playing time, considering benching him occasionally in La Liga to preserve his freshness for European fixtures. Nevertheless, with Adidas' latest signee on the field, Barcelona always possess a threat.
Xavi impending Departure
Xavi's impending departure remains inevitable, despite the excitement surrounding Barcelona's Champions League quarter-final appearance and the support from fans. He has reiterated his decision to leave at the end of the season and even issued warnings to potential successors.
While Xavi's legacy at Barcelona seems secure, having delivered a top-flight trophy last year, he will be remembered for briefly turning the club's fortunes around. If circumstances align favorably in the Champions League draw and his team performs admirably, Xavi may be able to offer a fitting farewell gift. With nothing to lose, he and Barcelona could bring some much-needed joy back to the club after a challenging period
