FC Barcelona secured their spot in the UEFA Champions League 2024-25 Round of 16 with an impressive group stage performance, finishing second in their group with seven wins and only one loss. With this result, Hansi Flick's team avoided the playoffs and qualified directly for the next round, where they already know the schedule for their upcoming knockout tie.

In the Round of 16, Barcelona will face the winner of the matchup between PSG and Brest, a clash that promises to be intense and high-level. The draw has set the first leg of the tie to be played between March 4 and 5, 2025, with the return leg scheduled for March 11 and 12. These dates mark the beginning of a new challenge for Hansi Flick and his players, who are aiming to advance to the quarterfinals.

Although the wait until March will be long, the team will focus on continuing to achieve good results in La Liga while preparing for their European challenge. Xavi Hernández, the club's former coach, left the team in a strong position, but now it will be Hansi Flick who aims to take Barcelona beyond the Round of 16, with his experience and tactical approach.

On the other hand, the club is uncertain about the availability of Ronald Araujo, who is still recovering from an injury to his right ankle. While it is unclear whether he will be available for the next La Liga match against Rayo Vallecano, Flick remains cautious about the defender's health and prefers not to risk him in the matches leading up to the Champions League. The rest of the defense, with players like Pau Cubarsí, Íñigo Martínez, and Eric García, is ready to step up.

With the Round of 16 dates already marked on the calendar, Barcelona is gearing up for a new challenge in the Champions League, with the mission of overcoming this stage and continuing their dream of the European title. The tie against PSG or Brest will be one of the biggest tests of the season for Hansi Flick's team.