This Barcelona smell like champions

Barcelona’s elimination from the Champions League was a failure. A big failure. Highlighted by Madrid, Atletico and Villarreal making it through to the quarter-finals. They have the Europa League as consolation and feel morally obliged to win the trophy, or at least get to the final. Anything other than being in Sevilla on May 18 would be a second failure. That is the modest objective for this season. And finishing in the top four. Xavi is building the team to do it.

They took a big step forward at Gala on Thursday night. And on Sunday another turning point can arrive at the Bernabeu. This Barcelona is growing on a base of good play and victories. They now look like themselves, thanks to the coach putting in place a style that never should have been lost. Barcelona look more and more like the authentic Barcelona. Sadly, a lot of time was wasted. But now is not the time to worry about that, but instead to be excited about the future and start to enjoy the present.

Winning in Istanbul was not easy. The Turkish team had drawn at Camp Nou and Domenec Torrent made things very difficult for Barcelona again. They went ahead and Barca had to come from behind. The magic of Pedri and the efficiency of Aubameyang sent them into the quarters. The first test of fire this week has been passed. 

Sunday will be a lot more complicated. A Clasico. Beating Madrid won’t serve to win the league. 15 points is too much to make up. But it will be the definitive certification that Barcelona have resuscitated. That they are respected. Feared. A team that aspires to be champions again.