Barcelona Advances to Champions League Quarterfinals: What’s Next?
FC Barcelona has secured a spot in the Champions League quarterfinals after eliminating Napoli at Montjuïc, winning 3-1 with goals from Fermín, Cancelo, and Lewandowski.
In a dominating performance, Barcelona took control in the first half, establishing a 2-0 lead within the first 20 minutes. Despite Napoli’s goal before halftime causing a moment of concern, Lewandowski’s final goal reassured Xavi’s team.
With most of the Round of 16 Champions League matches completed, Barcelona could potentially face formidable opponents such as City, Madrid, PSG, or Bayern. The Arsenal, victorious in a penalty shootout against Porto, also enters the mix. The outcomes of the remaining matchups – PSV vs. Dortmund and Atlético vs. Inter Milan – will determine the last two qualifiers.
The first-leg matches for the quarterfinals are scheduled for April 9 and 10, with the return matches set for April 16 or 17. The draw for the UEFA quarterfinals, taking place this Friday, will unveil Barcelona’s opponents. This marks Barcelona’s return to this stage since the 2019/20 season.
After two seasons of struggling to advance beyond the group stage, Barcelona not only boosts morale with this victory but also enjoys economic relief, earning over €10 million for reaching the quarterfinals. Additionally, it opens up possibilities for Barcelona to compete in the 2025 Club World Cup.
