5 reasons why Barcelona can win the Champions League
Barcelona haven't tasted Champions League glory in two years and have suffered the ignominy of watching arch-rivals Real Madrid win it twice in a row. The club has also been criticised by fans for losing its philosophy and trademark style of play with in-fighting, recriminations and antagonism threatening to tear the club apart from within.
The under-fire Barcelona board took measures to ease some pressure by appointing experienced manager Ernesto Valverde to replace Luis Enrique at the dugout.
Under his tutelage, Barcelona have regained momentum as they sit proudly atop the La Liga standings. The club is keen to get its hands on some silverware and being the team to stop Los Merengues from a record-breaking hattrick of Champions League titles would be oh-so-satisfying for the Blaugrana.
#1 Underrated summer signings
Although Barcelona's summer transfer window was mocked for its scatter-gun look, the Blaugrana managed to get some world-class talent in the summer.
Nelson Semedo was signed from Benfica, and the right-back has been influential in both offensive and defensive situations for a team that had been struggling to find a perfect replacement for Dani Alves.
After Aleix Vidal, Sergi Roberto and Mascherano have had stints occupying the right-back role, Semedo has made the position his with a string of good performances.
The marquee signing; Ousmane Dembélé has not had time to strut his stuff given his ruptured tendon but given his age and potential, he is expected to be a shining light for years to comes.
Brazilian international Paulinho's controversial signing from China was met with a chorus of boos and jeers but it has worked out well for the club as the Brazilian has proved to be a boon both offensively and defensively.