It has been two seasons in a row where Barcelona failed to reach the knockout stage of the Champions League. Finishing third in the group stage in 2021-2022 and last season, and thus moving to the Europa League, Barcelona would like to return to the round of 16 of La Liga as soon as possible. This was stated by the club’s coach, Xavi Hernandez, today, Monday, in a press conference, while maintaining some caution.
” Last year we were good in the tournament, but not at European level. Introduced by the Spanish champion coach. We have strengthened ourselves, and we have a good team to compete. Our goal for this season? Leave the group. »
The first stage against Antwerp on Tuesday
As Xavi also pointed out, Barcelona have not lifted the Big Ears Cup since 2015, when he was still a player at the club. However, the idea is not to win the competition this year, the 43-year-old Spaniard wants to advance.” Step by Step “to achieve its goals and” Join Round 16 “.
In Group H, they will face Barcelona on the first day in Antwerp, Tuesday, at 9pm at the Montjuïc Olympic Stadium – the Camp Nou stadium is under construction. The Blaugrana will next face the Portuguese from Porto (October 4) and the Ukrainians from Chakthyur Donetsk (October 25).
