FC Barcelona Learns Champions League Quarterfinals Opponents At Draw

FC Barcelona has learned who it will face in the Champions League quarter-finals after the draw for the next phase of the competition was made at midday on Friday in Europe.

In a repeat of the 2020/2021 last 16, Barca will meet Paris-Saint Germain managed by their former head coach Luis Enrique.

Barca advanced to the last eight for the first time in four years this week, after beating Napoli 3-1 at the Montjuic Stadium.

The scoreline secured a 4-2 aggregate win the last 16, and was vindication for head coach Xavi Hernandez after two back-to-back failed attempts to make it out of the group in past seasons.

Mundo Deportivo reported that Barca wished to avoid Manchester City in the quarter-finals because of its endless amount of “gunpowder”, plus the fact that it is overseen by a world class tactician in their former coach Pep Guardiola while also the defending champions of the UCL’s big-eared trophy.

Advancing to the semi-finals could have great economic benefits for cash-strapped Barca, who have suffered through a financial crisis that took it to the brink of bankruptcy.

A win alone is worth $13.7 million (€12.5 million) as per UEFA figures, but there is also $54.6 million (€50 million) on the line according to Mundo Deportivo.

This is because Barca and domestic rivals Atletico Madrid are fighting for the last vacant Spanish spot in FIFA’s Club World Cup next year, which will bring in the latter mentioned fee merely for participation.

Whoever advances furthest in the Champions League this term will take the vacancy, with Real Madrid’s tickets already booked thanks to winning their 14th crown on the continent in 2022 against Liverpool.

By beating PSG, Barca would guarantee that they reach the semi-finals for the first time since 2019, when the Reds memorably launched a comeback for the ages at Anfield in the second leg and broke Lionel Messi’s heart with a 4-0 on the night, 4-3 on aggregate triumph.

In the semi-finals, Barca will face the winner of Atletico Madrid versus Borussia Dortmund.

Dates reserved for the Champions League quarter-finals are April 9-10 for the first leg and April 16-17.