UEFA Champions League 2018-19: 3 reasons why Barcelona can lift the title this season

FC Barcelona are one of the favourites to lift the title this season
FC Barcelona are one of the favourites to lift the title this season

Champions League is known for exciting fixtures which delivers the best of football and the Round of 16 fixtures were no different. Sensational goals, late dramas and unbelievable comebacks - the fixtures had them all and we can expect more of that as we progress more into the competition with just eight teams left.

With big European powerhouses such as Real Madrid, Paris Saint Germain, Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid out of the competition at an early stage, FC Barcelona are one of the favourites and the only Spanish team left in the competition.

It is obvious that Ernesto Valverde's men will be much more confident with the tougher opponents knocked out at an early stage and will be taking their chances well without any risk. The elimination of European giants will make them desperate to lift the cup at the end of the current campaign.

The Blaugrana faltered in the Quarter Finals of Europe's elite tournament in the last three seasons and they will be aware to not repeat their same mistakes again as Barcelona face Manchester United.

Without further ado, let us evaluate three reasons why Barcelona can win the Champions League this season.


#1 Lionel Messi- Man on a mission

Leo Messi is longing to win the UCL
Leo Messi is longing to win the UCL
"It's true we have remembered what happened to us in the Champions League with our elimination and this year we will do everything possible to bring this beautiful cup back to Camp Nou."

Barcelona captain Lionel Messi sworn to help bring the trophy this year and he really looks determined to complete his promise. Statistically, it is true that Messi has been the best player this season, miles above the rest.

The 31-year-old Argentine has racked up 36 goals and 21 assists in all competitions this campaign. Despite missing matches in the group stages of Champions League, Lionel Messi is the joint top scorer in the Champions League with eight goals.

In the second leg of the Round of 16 fixtures against Lyon, Messi displayed that he meant those words in August. He scored two and assisted two in Barcelona's 5-1 win and has been involved in 11 goals for Barcelona in the tournament. It is crystal clear that Barcelona talisman is leading the Blaugrana to glory and remains the most vital piece in the puzzle.

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#2 Defensive depth

FC Barcelona v Olympique Lyonnais - UEFA Champions League Round of 16: Second Leg
FC Barcelona v Olympique Lyonnais - UEFA Champions League Round of 16: Second Leg

One of the main strength of Barcelona this season has been their defence and the depth in the rearguard. Under the tutelage of Ernesto Valverde, Barcelona's structure is more rigid and the defensive lines are getting harder for opponents to break down.

With the veteran center back, Gerard Pique, leading the Blaugrana rearguard, they have made fewer mistakes at the back. The team is much more comfortable defending than they used to be and catching opponents out on counters in the process.

Despite the long term injury of Samuel Umtiti, Clement Lenglet has stepped up and shown his potential against the toughest opponents in the season so far. Moreover, Barcelona's second choice goalkeeper, Jasper Cillessen, is much more reliable and can do wonders even in the absence of Marc-Andre Ter Stegen.

Defense plays a major role in the season and Ernesto Valverde is clearly making it a priority, which will only benefit the Blaugrana in their quest for European glory. Despite Manchester United's attacking prowess, it is expected that Barcelona's defenders can cope with the pressure.

#3 Playing to win

FC Barcelona v Olympique Lyonnais - UEFA Champions League Round of 16: Second Leg
FC Barcelona v Olympique Lyonnais - UEFA Champions League Round of 16: Second Leg

Under the guidance of Ernesto Valverde, the Catalan giants are looking to secure the win rather than entertain fans with their style. Over the years the philosophy of the Blaugrana has been to win by entertaining the viewers and sticking to their core style and philosophy but that has surely changed under Valverde.

Now, Barcelona are satisfied and comfortable being the less dominant team if they can garner a win. While facing Lyon in the first leg at France, playing self football was the priority and Barcelona did just that, before hammering French side in the second leg.

It is evident that Ernesto Valverde's men showed that they are clever to pull off a win even when they are not at their best, which is needed to win titles. Barcelona are clearly 'more human' as they make more mistakes but the current team is also more determined to secure the title, rather than play beautiful football.

The team shows the grit to win and that could bring them far in the competition.

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Edited by Jong Ching Yee