As Barcelona approaches a decade since their last Champions League triumph, the Catalan giants are set to face Monaco in their European opener on Thursday, aiming to make a significant statement. The club is eager to reclaim their place among the European elite after years of struggling, and with a strong start under new coach Hansi Flick, their hopes are on the rise. Last season provided some indications that they were on the right path in Europe, reaching the quarterfinals for the first time in four years. However, a 3-2 win at Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg was followed by a collapse at home, where a red card for Ronald Araujo and a subsequent three-goal haul by PSG led to a 6-4 aggregate defeat. Xavi Hernandez's side was ousted, and the coach was sacked at the end of a trophyless season.
Flick's Barcelona has secured five wins from five in La Liga, with Spain's teenage Euro 2024 star Lamine Yamal playing a crucial role in their attack. Since making his Barcelona debut at just 15 in April 2023, Yamal's development has been rapid. Now 17, he scored twice in a 4-1 thrashing of Girona on Sunday, avenging two heavy defeats from the previous season and showcasing the team's early progress. Girona coach Michel Sanchez praised Yamal, stating, "Lamine is a difference-maker... for me, he is already one of the best players in the world at 17 years of age." Despite comparisons to Lionel Messi, which add pressure, Yamal's emergence is another success for the club's La Masia youth academy.
Barcelona's financial struggles continue, with only Dani Olmo signed from RB Leipzig this summer, and a brief struggle to register him with La Liga. However, they have an immediate superstar in Yamal. Defender Pau Cubarsi, also 17, is another La Masia product excelling, alongside other homegrown talents like Alejandro Balde, Marc Casado, and Gavi, who is on the comeback trail after a long-term injury. These young talents can help Barcelona compete more evenly with Europe's best despite their financial constraints. Barcelona will host Bayern Munich at their temporary Olympic Stadium and face last season's runners-up Borussia Dortmund in key group stage fixtures.
Monaco, who previously shocked Barcelona 3-0 in a pre-season match, will now face a revitalized Catalan side. Flick's team has shown a new level of confidence and swagger, evident in their recent 4-1 victory over Girona. However, the game brought bad news as Olmo suffered a hamstring injury, ruling him out for about a month. Flick may need to adjust his lineup, potentially moving winger Raphinha back to a central role. Despite the injury, with Robert Lewandowski in strong form and Yamal's star rising, Barcelona is poised to demonstrate their return to European powerhouse status.
