Brann vs. FC Barcelona: Schedule, TV Channel, and Probable Lineups for Champions League Quarter final First Leg

The Champions League, a beloved competition by all, makes its return. FC Barcelona resumes its European campaign as the reigning champion and one of the top contenders for the title, heading to Bergen, Norway, for the first leg of the quarter-finals against Brann. Brann, one of the standout performers in the group stage, embarks on its inaugural knockout stage encounter.

The Nordic outfit secured their qualification as runners-up in a group led by the formidable Olympique de Lyon, surpassing Slavia Prague and St. Pölten, both with more experience in the competition. They emerged victorious in all matches except against Lyon, managing to secure a commendable 2-2 draw against the French side in Bergen. Throughout the six group stage matches, Brann conceded merely seven goals, a tally only bettered by Barcelona, Lyon, Chelsea, and Hacken. They netted a total of nine goals, with Justine Kielland bagging three alongside contributions from Eikeland, Engesvik, Gaupset – the 18-year-old sensation, Anasi, and Crummer.

This quarter-final tie holds particular significance for Caroline Graham Hansen, who expressed her desire to face her country’s team upon Brann’s qualification, and for Ingrid Engen, also Norwegian. “They’ve had a spectacular group stage, and I’m very happy for them because for many years, we haven’t had any Norwegian team in the competition’s final phase,” remarked the Barcelona winger in a statement to the club’s media a month ago. “We know that the quarter-finals are never easy, and we’ll need to stay focused to play well if we want to reach the semi-finals.”

Barcelona acknowledges their status as favorites but understands that anything can happen in football, especially in the Champions League. Historically, away matches have proven more challenging, as seen in encounters with Bayern and Roma last year, as well as Frankfurt and Benfica this season. There’s no room for complacency.