FC Barcelona is enjoying the comfort of knowing they have secured their place in the last 16 of the Champions League, even as they eagerly await to discover their next opponent. The Catalan giants are now set to face one of two formidable teams: PSG or Benfica.
PSG has made remarkable progress in their playoff against Brest, dominating with a convincing 3-0 victory in the first leg and then completing their advancement with a stunning 7-0 win in the second leg. Under the management of Luis Enrique, PSG appears to be in formidable form as they look to challenge the likes of Barça in the next round.
On the other hand, Benfica reached the last 16 through a thrilling encounter. Initially leading 1-0 against Monaco thanks to a goal by Pavlidis—who had previously scored a hat-trick against Barça during the group stage—Benfica found themselves under pressure after Monaco leveled the tie. Despite some frantic moments and a lead change, they battled back to secure their place in the next round with a crucial late goal from Kokcu.
As both teams vie for the chance to play Barca, the Spanish side will play their first leg of the knockout phase away from home on March 4 or 5, either at the Parc des Princes or the Stadium of Light. The return leg will take place at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys a week later, on March 11 or 12. Barcelona fans are hopeful that their team can advance further in this prestigious tournament and create an exciting match in the process.