Arguably the best club in Europe for the past decade, FC Barcelona is once again in contention for major honors this season. First year manager Tata Martino has so far succeeded in maintaining the winning formula that his predecessors Pep Guardiola and Tito Vilanova had instilled.
That formula obviously begins with the magical Lionel Messi, back healthy after an injury-ridden end to last season. With a star-studded squad firing on all cylinders, Barca is well-placed to conquer Spain and Europe one more time. But will they be successful? We examine their chances in both competitions
Barca’s Chances in La Liga and Champions League for 2013/14
La Liga
[sc:Soccer240banner ]Martino began his first La Liga campaign in record fashion. He won his first eight games in a row to start the season, a feat that even legendary Barca managers Guardiola and Johan Cruyff have never accomplished. Barca also claimed the first El Clasico of the season, defeating fierce rivals and main title challengers Real Madrid 2-1 at home.
However, the defending champions will have to overcome more than one Madrid team to retain their title. This is because Atletico Madrid has broken the duopoly in Spain to emerge as a legitimate threat to the league crown. As of this writing, the three clubs are in a dead heat atop the table at 57 points, with identical 18-3-2 records; Barca is on top by virtue of goal difference.
Messi (11 goals in 16 games) is not quite back to his absolute best, but Barca has not relied on his goals quite as much, with Alexis Sanchez (14 goals in 19 games), Pedro (12 goals in 22 games) and Cesc Fabregas (8 goals in 22 games) all chipping in. They will also have Brazilian phenom Neymar returning from injury.
Despite the challenge of the two teams from the capital, a much more balanced attack should still make Barca the favorite to defend the crown.
Champions League
Demolished last season 7-0 by eventual champions Bayern Munich, Barcelona is eager to re-stake its claim as Europe’s finest. But the Catalan club has been handed a very tricky draw in the Round of 16 against English giants Manchester City.
Barca is still favored to advance to the quarterfinals at -225, but they are the favorites with the lowest odds to do so. In former Barcelona midfielder Yaya Toure, Man City possesses the overpowering physical presence that led to Barca’s downfall against Bayern last year.
But this is the English club’s first foray into the knockout stages, so Barca will have the distinct advantage in terms of experience. Their battle-tested campaigners have won this competition many times before, and of course, they have the great Messi to provide a moment of magic in a potentially tight affair. Even with the tough draw, expect Barca to push through.
Will the Catalans once again be celebrating another major trophy or two come season’s end? Follow Barca’s exploits in La Liga and the Champions League all season long at Top Bet’s sportsbook.
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