FC Barcelona has secured its place in the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 after an impressive league phase. Finishing among the top eight teams, Hansi Flick’s squad avoided the playoff round and now awaits the draw set for Friday, February 21, in Nyon, Switzerland. However, their two potential opponents are already known: Benfica or Paris Saint-Germain.

The draw will determine which of these teams will face the Blaugranas, who finished second in the regular phase, just behind Liverpool. This means Barcelona will have the advantage of playing the second leg at home, which could be crucial in their quest to reach the quarterfinals.

Benfica, a Familiar Opponent

Benfica emerges as a team that, while not among the tournament favorites, has proven to be highly competitive. The Portuguese side secured its spot by eliminating Monaco with a 4-2 aggregate score, showcasing solid performances both defensively and offensively. Additionally, Barcelona has already faced the Lisbon-based club in the group stage, winning a thrilling 5-4 encounter.

The Blaugranas know that playing at Estádio da Luz is never easy, as the Portuguese side is strong at home. However, recent results favor Flick’s squad, which will aim to replicate its success against Benfica in a more decisive stage.

PSG, a High-Caliber Challenge

If Barcelona is drawn against Paris Saint-Germain, it will revive one of the most intense rivalries in recent Champions League history. The French club advanced after a dominant 10-0 aggregate victory over Brest, with stars like Ousmane Dembélé and Vitinha stepping up in the absence of Kylian Mbappé.

The recent history between these teams includes unforgettable moments, such as the legendary 6-1 comeback in 2017 or Barcelona’s elimination in last season’s quarterfinals. A new showdown between these clubs promises a high-stakes battle with plenty of excitement.

Barcelona will learn its fate on Friday, and whether it faces Benfica or PSG, the upcoming matchup is set to be a crucial test in its pursuit of a sixth Champions League title.