Barcelona has encountered significant challenges throughout their journey in the Champions League this season. The team found themselves in a position where they needed a victory on the final day of the group stage to progress to the last 16, highlighting their struggle to recapture European glory since 2015.
In an interview with the Spanish publication La Vanguardia, Gundogan admitted that Barcelona’s prospects of achieving success in the Champions League are slim. He remarked, “There are other teams in the competition with more of a chance and better experience, but if we can reach the quarter finals, we are entering special territory. I am a realist, but I also know it’s difficult for everybody.”
Gundogan also expressed surprise at Xavi’s decision to step down, stating, “I was surprised by Xavi’s decision to step down, I didn’t expect it. I wish I could have done more for him. I have that feeling.”
Less than nine months after securing Barcelona’s first La Liga title in four years, Xavi announced his departure from the club in January, signalling a significant shift. Barcelona currently trails league leaders Real Madrid by eight points and has been eliminated from the Copa del Rey.
The upcoming challenge for Barcelona involves facing Napoli in the first leg of their Champions League knockout tie on Wednesday. Napoli, the holders of Serie A, have encountered their own set of difficulties this season and currently sit in 9th place in the league standings ahead of the match.
İlkay Gündoğan
İlkay Gündoğan
This season he played in total 6 times for 480 minutes for Champions League.
İlkay Gündoğan didn’t score any goal for FC Barcelona. He procured 3 assists. He received no yellow cards and no red cards.
His team is currently 3rd in Champions League. In the last match FC Barcelona won 2-1 against Celta de Vigo.
FC Barcelona performance and stats
FC Barcelona is currently 1st in the Champions League with 12 points.
In the last 6 games, it has won 4 times and lost twice. In its last match, FC Barcelona lost 3-2 against Antwerp.
It has a positive goal difference after scoring 12 goals and conceding 6.
FC Barcelona will play the next match in Champions League against Napoli on Wednesday 21st of February in Napoli. The prediction is FC Barcelona winning the match.