Barcelona’s Potential Champions League Opponents for the Last 16

Who Could Barcelona Face in the Champions League Knockout Stage?

Barcelona have successfully navigated the Champions League league phase, finishing second in the 36-team standings to secure automatic qualification for the last 16. Hansi Flick is aiming to lead the Catalan giants to their first European title since 2015, but the road ahead won’t be easy.

With the play-off round now complete, Barcelona’s last 16 opponent will be either:

• Paris Saint-Germain (PSG)
• Benfica

Barcelona’s Possible Opponents: PSG or Benfica?

Barcelona’s dominant group stage performance has ensured they dodge some of Europe’s toughest teams early on, but their potential last 16 opponents remain formidable challenges.

• Paris Saint-Germain: The French giants have been in red-hot form, winning 16 of their last 17 matches in all competitions. Under Luis Enrique, PSG have developed into a well-balanced team, cruising past Brest 10-0 on aggregate in the play-offs. Barcelona will be eager for revenge, having been eliminated by PSG in last season’s quarter-finals.
• Benfica: A more favorable opponent on paper, Barcelona have already defeated Benfica this season in a thrilling 5-4 victory, thanks to Raphinha’s last-minute winner. While Bruno Lage’s side is no pushover, they lack the overall quality and firepower of PSG.

Best and Worst-Case Scenarios for Barcelona

Worst-Case: Facing PSG

PSG are undoubtedly the toughest challenge Barcelona could face in the last 16. With attacking stars like Ousmane Dembélé, Bradley Barcola, and Vitinha, plus their recent dominance, the French champions pose a serious threat to Barcelona’s Champions League ambitions.

Best-Case: Facing Benfica

Having already beaten Benfica this season, Barcelona will welcome a rematch. While the Portuguese side has stunned top teams like Juventus and Atletico Madrid, their squad lacks the elite-level experience that PSG boasts. Facing Benfica would significantly boost Barcelona’s chances of progressing to the quarter-finals.

When is the Champions League Last 16 Draw?

Barcelona will discover their opponent soon, with the Champions League last 16 draw set to take place on:
📅 Friday, 21 February
⏰ 11:00 GMT
📍 House of European Football, Nyon, Switzerland

Fans can watch the draw live on UEFA’s official website.

Champions League Last 16 Fixture Dates

• First leg: 4-5 March
• Second leg: 11-12 March (at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys)

Which Team Would You Prefer Barcelona to Face?

Would you rather see Barcelona face PSG for revenge, or take on Benfica for a potentially easier path to the quarter-finals? Share your thoughts in the comments below!