Barcelona looking to end Champions League drought

Barcelona have failed to win the Champions League since 2015, but they are presented with a very good opportunity this time around, where they face Manchester United in the quarter-final stage.

Back in 2015, Barcelona came out on top against Juventus winning 3-1 and both sides could potentially meet once again in the final with the way the draw has worked out.

Looking at the football betting, Barcelona are best priced at 10/3 to win the Champions League, second-favourites behind Manchester City, who are still chasing a quadruple and their first ever Champions League.

Ronaldo’s hat-trick against Atletico Madrid saw Juventus turn around their tie, who are third-favourites at 7-2, with Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool next best at 4-1.

Barcelona failed to break down Lyon in the first leg of their round-of-16 contest in France, but absolutely took them apart at the Nou Camp, winning 5-1. The Nou Camp has been a fortress, with Barca winning eight of their last nine home games. The blemish on that record was a draw with Spurs but Barcelona were already through at that stage, while Tottenham only required a point to qualify for the knock-out stages.

There’s no surprise to see Lionel Messi sitting at the top of the top goalscorer market, and he is the heavy favourite at 4/9 to pick up the Golden Boot, currently sitting on eight goals. His old nemesis, Ronaldo, is his closest market rival at 10/1, and currently has four goals.

“Messi” (CC BY 2.0) by jeroen_bennink

With the La Liga all but wrapped up, Barcelona are still chasing a treble themselves, as they are in the Copa Del Rey final against Valencia, and are heavy favourites to make it a domestic double.

Barcelona are the current holders, after dismantling Sevilla 5-0 last season, and Valencia have it all to do over the two legs if they are able to steal Barca’s crown. They’re the clear outsiders, priced at 10/3.

It’s Barcelona’s never-say-die attitude which is one of the main reasons as to why Ernesto Valverde’s side look a confident bet to prevail in the Champions League. Their comeback against Villarreal with two last minute goals from Messi and Suarez proves why they represent good value to pick up three trophies this season.

What would have pleased Barcelona fans was the performance of Macolm, who set up their first goal against Villarreal before putting them 2-0 up with a clever finish. With more and more game time, the young striker is proving his worth within the side and is a great player to call upon now compared to when he first arrived.

There is always an incredible amount of expectation for the Barcelona manager, but fans must be delighted that Ernesto Valverde has the league wrapped up and that they can concentrate on the Champions League. A treble wouldn’t be a complete surprise, but Valverde would go down in history if he is able to pull it off come May.

“Camp Nou” (CC BY 2.0) by JonathanVitela