'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Former Barcelona defender Gerard Piqué has named four teams that would challenge the Catalan club for the UEFA Champions League this season. He believes that Hansi Flick's side are strong contenders for the trophy, but would face stiff opposition from Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich.
During an interaction with Moeve Futbol Zone (via SPORT), Piqué dismissed criticism surrounding Barcelona's high-line defensive style under Flick and backed La Blaugrana to win all trophies this season.
When asked about Barca's chances of winning the Champions League, the former defender insisted that Flick's side can lift the trophy. However, he named Arsenal, PSG, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid as the 'very strong teams' who would make it difficult for them to do so.
Trending
"In Europe too? Yes, why not? It’s clear that there are some very strong teams in Europe right now, and it looks like sooner rather than later, they’ll end up winning the Champions League, " Pique said.
“Arsenal, for example, or PSG, who won it last year. Add to that Real Madrid and Bayern, who I think have raised their game with Kompany, so obviously it will be difficult," he added.
Barcelona enjoyed a successful 2024-25 campaign under Flick. In his debut season, the German guided the club to a treble of the league, Copa del Rey, and Supercopa de España. However, they fell short in the Champions League as they were ousted by Inter Milan in the semi-final.
Barcelona's performance in the UEFA Champions League this season
Hansi Flick's side have been somewhat inconsistent in the Champions League this season. They have managed just two wins from five matches in the tournament, losing two and drawing the other.
La Blaugrana suffered a 3-0 loss to Chelsea in their last Champions League outing and were beaten 2-1 by PSG in October. They were held to a 3-3 draw by Belgian side Club Brugge before the Chelsea defeat, and have recorded wins over only Newcastle (2-1) and Olympiacos (6-1).
These results have placed the La Liga champions in the 18th position on the league phase standings. Flick's team will have to win their last three matches to increase the chances of securing automatic qualification and avoiding the playoffs. They will next face Eintracht Frankfurt at home on Tuesday, December 9.
