Atalanta ended Barcelona’s winning streak in the league phase of the new-look Champions League, but the Blaugrana should take a minute to appreciate what they’ve accomplished over the past few months. They were just one goal away on Wednesday from finishing in first place in front of Liverpool. On goal difference, they were the top team in Europe with a +15 margin.
Hansi Flick did it the Barcelona way. By playing attacking football, and fearing no one. Photo By Javier Borrego/Europa Press via Getty Images After traumatizing the club five years ago with his 8-2 Baverian takedown that sent the club into a tailspin, the German manager has become the man to put the Catalan giants back together again.
For years, Barcelona looked scared in the competition. This was true especially under Ronald Koeman, but even Xavi had his struggles in the Europa League of all places. That being said, Barcelona did make an impressive run to the quarterfinals in 2024, before being eliminated in shocking, albeit familiar, fashion by PSG.
So now, the work really begins. Securing second place was important, because it puts them opposite of Liverpool in the bracket. It would be a joy to see those two attacking powerhouses meet in the final in Munich, and I believe Barcelona would match up well.
Photo by Adria Puig/Anadolu via Getty Images But here’s some realism. Just because they got an automatic pass into the round of 16 doesn’t mean it will be an easy journey. In fact, they will play either P.
