After a series of disappointments in the UEFA Champions League in recent years, Barcelona made it through to the quarterfinals of the competition this season following a 4-2 aggregate win over Napoli.
Indeed, after the 8-2 humiliation against Bayern Munich in 2020, this is the first time that Barcelona have made it as far as the quarterfinals. And it was achieved following a top performance against Napoli at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Tuesday.
Gerard Pique hopeful Barcelona can go all the way
Speaking to Sky Sports Italia (h/t SPORT) after the game, Barcelona legend Gerard Pique praised the performance of the team against Napoli, claiming that Xavi Hernandez’s men were deserved winners.
“I think they played a great game and Barça deserved to go through. They’re in the quarter-finals again, it’s been several years since they’ve done it,” said the former Barcelona captain.
Pique then went on to acknowledge that even though it will be difficult, the performance against Napoli gives some hope that the Blaugrana can go all way in the Champions League this season.
“Now we’ll see, there are five games left to lift the Cup. Hopefully Barça will be champions, it will be difficult because all the best in Europe are in the quarter-finals. But the Napoli game left a good feeling,” he remarked.
Who will Barça face in the quarterfinals?
With the Round of 16 now concluded, Barcelona have learnt their seven possible opponents for the next phase.
It will be far from easy as they could be drawn up against one of Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid, Manchester City, Arsenal, PSG, Bayern Munich, and Borussia Dortmund.
Reports suggest that the Catalans’ locker room is eager to avoid Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
The draw will take place tomorrow, i.e., Friday, March 15, which is when Barça will learn their quarterfinal opponents.
