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#1 The rise of Premier League clubs in Europe
One of the reasons why the Champions League stands out among club tournaments is the level of competition that it guarantees every year. In line with that, Barcelona could be denied European glory once again as a result of the increasing intensity put forth by rival clubs - especially those from the English Premier League.
Spanish outfits dominated the UCL between 2014 and 2018. Last season, EPL clubs took over. For the first time in history, four sides from the same domestic division made it into the finals of both European tournaments - Liverpool and Tottenham went head-to-head in the Champions League, while Chelsea and Arsenal battled it out in the Europa.
EPL sides aren't slowing down. They are growing in strength every day. As a matter of fact, the rise of English clubs sends a threatening message to their counterparts in Europe - Barcelona included. The likes of Juventus, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint Germain are also going all-out for the continental crown this season after spending big in the summer, and Barca's European future looks bleak.
