Of course Barcelona have stronger depth this season due to several signings made by Xavi in this transfer window. Gundogan presence is expected to bring Barcelona back strong in the Champions League. I think Barcelona's toughness will be assessed when they face matches in the champions league. I think Xavi should be able to get Barcelona past the group phase and go far in the Champions League this season. In the previous season, Barcelona failed in the group phase because they were unable to compete with Bayern Munich and Inter Milan. I don't think that's happening again with them this season. At least it can reach the semifinals or more.
Well, as for the Champions League semi-final, I would not have swung so far, given the other contenders, with the squad played and not having such serious financial problems. But Barcelona can count on getting out of the group quite well and must fight for it. And then everything will depend on the success of the draw, which clubs will be rivals, how everything will turn out. Nevertheless, Barcelona, in my opinion, is not the main favorite in the current Champions League draw, despite all its progress under the leadership of Xavi Hernandez.