Quote from: skarais on August 31, 2023, 07:19:41 PM

Quote from: baeva on August 31, 2023, 05:58:49 PM

Quote from: lizarder on August 31, 2023, 05:33:42 PM

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At least in the group stage you can trust and let the newcomer prove himself, because Barcelona are not in the most difficult group, you can even experiment a little. Although there is also La Liga for that, so as not to take risks in such a tournament, especially for Barcelona this season it is very important. So far I see that Barcelona can definitely get out of the group, maybe even reach the quarter-finals, and then it all depends on the opponent

Basically, almost all groups look easy to become top of the standings for some of Europe's top teams, except for group F. Barcelona is fortunate to get relatively easier opponents this season, but I don't really dare to guarantee they can qualify easily and lead Group H in the end.

All teams can be surprised that Barcelona still has the possibility of failing to reach the last 16 if all the opposing teams are really able to make it difficult for Barcelona to win the match. I agree Barcelona are favorites in Group H, but that's not a guarantee to see them through easily to the next round.

Being in Pot 1 is an advantage for Barcelona, they have quite easy opponents in the group division. The comparison of the opponents faced by Barcelona who are members of Group H means that Xavi Hernandez team has the potential to qualify for the round of 16. The previous two seasons, Barcelona was always in Pot 2, which resulted in them always having tough opponents and not qualifying for the last 16.

I don't mean to belittle the other teams that joined in group H, the toughest opponent Barcelona faced in the group stage was only Porto, while Shaktar Donetsk and Royal Antwerp are one level below Barcelona if judged from squad depth. Even though Shakhtar Donetsk is a UCL subscription team, they can't do much when dealing with teams in the Top League, while Royal Antwerp are newcomers who have qualified through the play-off process.

Xavi player material should be able to pass the challenge from Shaktar & Antwerp easily and finish as Group H Champion. Xavi must not waste this opportunity because it will greatly affect the draw for the last 16. Barcelona's only challenge in the race for the Group H championship is Porto because this team is used to playing in the UCL and has won this competition once.