Having begun La Liga in the best way possible, Barcelona now enter a new competition that is perhaps the biggest objective of the season – the UEFA Champions League.
Repackaged in a new format, the European competition this season has done away with the traditional group stages and now features a brand new league stage.
Unlike previous years, Barcelona will thus play eight games in the first round against eight different oppositions, four at home and four on the road.
Tomorrow night, they kick start their campaign in France as they take to the field at Stade Louis II to face off against AS Monaco. Their opponents are unbeaten so far this season and have just one draw in their four games so far.
Barça Universal brings you three talking points ahead of the Blaugranas’ UCL curtain-raiser.
Hope reignites
Year after year, Barcelona begin their campaign in Europe amidst massive expectations. Yet, it has become the norm for them to fall short of the finish line either being outplayed or simply crumbling under pressure.
Last season, everything seemed to be going for Xavi’s side in the Champions League with even the draw providing them a favourable path to the trophy. A single Ronald Araujo blunder, however, was enough to see it all fall apart.
As Barcelona steps into a new season of the UEFA Champions League, one is forced to wonder if this is finally their time to shine. After all, Hansi Flick’s side have been in great form to this point.
The Blaugrana have scored 11 goals in their last two games and look ruthless in the final third. Dani Olmo’s injury is indeed a big blow but the manager has sufficient resources to fill that void.
Tomorrow thus begins a new roller-coaster of emotions for player and fans across the globe as Barcelona finally look to end their Champions League curse. The hope reignites and the pressure will be on the squad to deliver. Will this finally be the year?
Familiar…
Source link : https://barcauniversal.com/three-talking-points-ahead-of-as-monaco-vs-barcelona/
Author : Adithya Eshwarla
Publish date : 2024-09-18 15:57:29
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The post Three talking points ahead of AS Monaco vs Barcelona first appeared on Soccer News.
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Author : soccernews
Publish date : 2024-09-18 16:06:27
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.