Barcelona can face 4 possible teams in the Champions League round of 16
Barcelona have had an uninspiring start to the Champions League campaign this season. But recent results show that there is still hope. Nevertheless, the draw in the last 16 will go a long way in determining the rest of the European campaign.
There are a total of four teams that Barça can come up against: Chelsea, Atalanta, Napoli and Lyon. Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Atlético Madrid all finished second, but UEFA regulations prevent Barça from facing them.
Napoli were the best side among all of Barça’s potential opponents. They were undefeated in a group that included defending champions Liverpool. In fact, just a single point separated Liverpool and Napoli at the end, as the Partenopei ended the group-stage with 3 wins.
Napoli were also the best defensively, conceding just 4 goals. Kalidou Koulibaly and Nikola Maksimović are enjoying the form of their careers, and ex-Real Betis man Fabián Ruiz is having a breakout season.
Despite the fact that Carlo Ancelotti was recently fired over disagreements with Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis, Napoli remain a force to be reckoned with. The Partenopei may not be having the best of times in Serie A, but their European form has been fantastic.
Chelsea are probably the most exciting team to watch in the Premier League right now. The Blues, under Frank Lampard, are a youthful side full of energy. They are enjoying a great start to the league season, and have done well on the European stage as well.
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Lampard’s men beat last season’s semi-finalists Ajax to a qualifying spot, missing out on top spot due to goal difference. Chelsea played attractive football, scoring 11 goals in the group-stage. One of the most exciting games of the season was Chelsea’s 4-4 home draw with Ajax.
As potential opponents to Chelsea in the Champions League last 16, Barça have history on their side. The Blaugrana last lost to the Blues 13 years back, and have registered some memorable victories against them in the knockout rounds.
Atalanta qualified for the Champions League last 16 only by virtue of the mediocrity of the other teams in their group. Manchester City dominated, winning the group with a 7-point difference. In the end, the Orobici managed just 2 wins from their 6 games.
Gian Piero Gasperini’s side ended the group-stage with a negative goal difference, facing the ignominy of a 5-1 thrashing by a 10-man City side. Alejandro Gómez has been the sole shining light for a side which just about managed to survive in Europe.
Domestically too, Atalanta are not having the best of times. Although they are not as deep in the trenches as the likes of AC Milan, they have won just 2 of their last 5 league games. Their away form has also been ordinary.
And lastly, Lyon; the Ligue 1 side were Barça’s opponents in last season’s Champions League last 16. They were good in the home leg last season, securing a goalless draw. But at the Camp Nou, Barça administered a 5-1 hiding.
Lyon have had a topsy-turvy season so far. After ex-Culé Sylvinho led them into a poor start to the season, he was replaced with veteran coach Rudi Garcia. Lyon’s form has picked up since, but the French club have been ordinary in Europe.
With two wins, draws and losses apiece, Lyon were a distant second to group winners RB Leipzig. Captain Memphis Depay, along with Bertrand Traoré, Houssem Aouar and Moussa Dembele have been all very impressive, but Lyon have struggled to produce results.
With a possession-oriented approach, Lyon have played some good football. But on the flip side, there have been a lot of disappointing defeats to the likes of Nantes, Lille and Zenit St.Petersburg. Nevertheless, recent form suggests that they are turning things around.
Atalanta seem to be the best draw Barça can hope for. The Italian side have done poorly in Europe, and are on a dry run in Serie A. Chelsea are the exact opposite, with Frank Lampard’s young squad proving its mettle against the giants of English football.
Despite history, Barça would be unlucky to be drawn against the Blues. Napoli and Lyon are teams that Barça could get past, with the right kind of performances from the big players.