Since the days of manager Pep Guardiola in the dugout at Camp Nou, Barcelona have been desperately trying to become a dominant force in European soccer once again.
Now, with German tactician Hansi Flick at the helm and a squad brimming with talent, Barça are moving in the right direction and look to be on course for major silverware in the near future.
Blaugrana Showing Their True Colors
Watching arch-rivals Real Madrid win the La Liga title and the UEFA Champions League trophy last season must have been tough for everyone associated with FC Barcelona. However, much can change in the space of a year, and now Barça are the ones who are challenging for major silverware. Into the semifinals of the Champions League, where they are +115 to win the second leg in the Inter vs. Barcelona betting, the Blaugrana are within touching distance of a return to the final. Barça have claimed five titles in this competition and are +225 in the Champions League betting to go all the way and lift the trophy this season. It certainly shows how far this team has come in what has been a relatively short period of time under Flick.
The rise of Flick to being one of the best managers in the game has been swift. The man from Heidelberg was relatively unknown on the big stage before he rose from Bayern Munich’s assistant role in 2019. Since then, Flick has guided Bayern to two Bundesliga crowns and a Champions League title, and he has already brought silverware to Barcelona in his first season in charge. Claiming the Copa del Rey and the Supercopa de España, Barça are on course for a season to remember under a manager who is understandably rising in popularity in Catalonia.
Raphinha Leading the Way
One major factor in Barça’s progress this season has been the form of Brazilian star Raphinha. A player who took time to settle with the La Liga giants following his big-money move from Leeds United in 2022, Raphinha has blossomed into a key player for the Blaugrana. The Brazil international has always had the tricks to beat defenders and the speed to cause defensive problems. However, with 12 goals in the Champions League this season following the semifinal first leg, Raphinha’s goal output has reached new levels.
Raphinha is also fortunate to play alongside great attacking teammates, including Polish star Robert Lewandowski. The former Bayern Munich striker might be nearing the end of his career at age 36, but he doesn’t seem to be slowing down in the goal-scoring department. With 11 Champions League goals ahead of the second leg against Inter, Lewandowski has been another key reason behind Barça’s European campaign.
Barcelona won two Champions League titles under the iconic Guardiola, with a squad blessed with the likes of Lionel Messi, Xavi, and Andrés Iniesta. Now, with Flick at the helm and the likes of Raphinha and Lewandowski in their ranks, Barça can become a dominant force in Europe once again.
