Staff Reporter
FC Barcelona is one of football’s most storied clubs, but recent seasons have seen them struggle to clinch the coveted Champions League. You may wonder, how many Champions League does Barcelona have? The Catalan giants have won five Champions League titles, securing iconic victories in 1992, 2006, 2009, 2011, and 2015. Only Liverpool (6), Bayern Munich (6), AC Milan (7) and Real Madrid (15) have won the competition more times.
Since their last triumph nearly a decade ago, Barcelona have endured a series of disappointing exits, including an infamous 4-3 comeback by Liverpool in 2019, who went on to be crowned champions that season. However, their resurgence this season suggests that they are once again ready to challenge Europe’s elite. The question on everyone’s mind is: can they do it?
One of the reasons the Blaugrana faithful are optimistic about their chances this season is their strong form in the group stage. Barcelona have posted a string of impressive performances, particularly their thrilling 5-4 comeback victory over Benfica. In a match where they might have capitulated in previous seasons, Barcelona showed remarkable composure, twice overcoming a two-goal deficit to secure a crucial win that put them in a strong position heading into the knockout rounds. This win demonstrated both their attacking prowess and resilience. Such performances have significantly boosted their odds to win a sixth Champions League title. The DraftKings sportsbook app is putting Liverpool and Barcelona as the favorites to win the 2025 title, with Liverpool standing at -650, while Barcelona trails closely at +400. These odds reinforce the belief that Hansi Flicks’ men are serious contenders to go all the way.
Barcelona’s squad depth is another major advantage this season. With the emergence of young stars such as Lamine Yamal, Gavi, and Pedri, coupled with the leadership of veterans like Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha, the team has found a well-balanced mix of youth and experience. Under the guidance of manager Hansa Flick, this blend has allowed Barcelona to implement a more dynamic attacking strategy, scoring 28 goals in eight group-stage games—the highest tally by any side. This attacking firepower was crucial in helping the Catalans finish second, two points behind leaders Liverpool.
Compared to their performances in recent years, Barcelona has shown significant improvement this season. Tactically, Flick has refined Barcelona’s playing style, integrating elements of the traditional tiki-taka approach from the club’s golden era with a more direct and aggressive counter-pressing approach. This adaptability has been evident in their assured performances against top European sides, where they have dictated play and broken down rigid defensive structures. While their previous campaigns were marred by early exits and lackluster displays, the current squad appears to have found the balance necessary to compete for European glory.
Looking ahead, Barcelona have secured an automatic qualification for the knockout stage. However, the club’s path to the final will not be easy. Potential matchups against powerhouses like Manchester City, Bayern Munich, and Liverpool loom large. Each of these teams poses unique threats, but Barcelona’s depth and ability to win high-pressure matches, as seen in their victory over Benfica, will be crucial in navigating the later stages of the competition.
The 2025 Champions League represents an opportunity for FC Barcelona to reassert their dominance on the European stage. With a strong squad, attacking versatility, and the belief of their fans, the Catalan giants are well-positioned to make a deep run in the tournament. As the odds suggest, they remain one of the favorites to lift the trophy, and their performances so far indicate that this could indeed be their year. Barcelona fans around the world will be watching with bated breath, hoping for another glorious chapter in the club’s storied history.
