Barcelona Prepares for Champions League Opener
In anticipation of their Champions League opener, Barcelona’s head coach Pere Romeu conveyed confidence in his team as they prepare to face Bayern Munich on Tuesday at Estadi Johan Cruyff. The meeting between the three-time Champions League winners and the German champions marks a premier matchup in the new Swiss model league format, reflecting the structure of the men’s tournament.
Romeu’s Confidence and Bayern’s Prowess
Romeu acknowledged the prowess of Bayern, stating,
“They are an elite team, with strong performances from last season. We played them in the past and their roster is filled with exceptional talent. They execute their attacks fluidly, with players like Georgia Stanway finding space near the box and Klara Bühl posing a threat on the wings. They are comprehensive in their approach, yet we will not be intimidated; we are Barça and we aim to compete fiercely.”
Barcelona’s Roster Changes and Youth Development
As the new season unfolds, Barcelona’s financial prudence over the summer has attracted attention. A roster reshuffle allowed the departure of stars such as Fridolina Rolfö and Ingrid Syrstad Engen, while only Laia Aleixandri was added to the squad. However, this transition has paved the way for younger players like Sydney Schertenleib and Clara Serrajordi to step up, with Romeu expressing faith in their capabilities:
“We have a strong squad with talented youth. The quality of players we have brought up from the youth academy is exceptional, perhaps better than what we could find on the market.”
Recent History and Motivation
Barcelona’s recent history in the tournament includes victories in 2023 and 2024, but they faced disappointment last year, losing to Arsenal in the final. Defender Irene Paredes reflected on that setback, stating,
“The loss in Lisbon is a powerful memory that motivates us. It was a painful defeat, and we’re determined to use that experience to avoid repeating it. We’re eager to start the season with a win and are prepared for the challenge ahead.”
Champions League Format and Broadcast
This season sees the Champions League expanding to 18 teams, with each club scheduled to play six matches in the league phase against opponents from different seed pots. The top four teams will advance directly to the quarterfinals, while those ranked between fourth and twelfth will enter a knockout round. Barcelona enters the competition as a favorite alongside teams like Lyon, Chelsea, and defending champions Arsenal, yet there is a sense that rivals from England, Germany, France, Spain, and Italy may present a robust challenge in this revamped format.
Additionally, football enthusiasts can catch all 75 matches of the season live exclusively on Disney+, emphasizing the growing interest in women’s football.
