“Roma have risen from their ruins! Manolas, the Greek God in Rome! The unthinkable unfolds before our eyes. This was not meant to happen, this could not happen… this is happening!”
Commentator Peter Drury’s booming voice continues to reverberate through the walls of the Colosseum to this very day after that famous victory nearly a year ago.
But if you’re related to Barcelona in any way – coach, player, fan – those words stab you right in the heart.
Last season, the Catalan giants saw their dream of winning a treble of trebles crumble before their eyes as Kostas Manolas scored to make it 3-0 for Roma, and 4-4 on aggregate, in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. The away goal rule knocked Barcelona out of the competition and they were left with just a domestic double.
This season, the Blaugrana are still alive in all competitions and are on course to defend the domestic double. The Champions League still remains a hurdle, although it appears that they are better equipped this season to win the trophy after four years. How so? We take a look.
The physical and mental endurance has been tested
At this point of the season, the physical and mental state of the players is more crucial than the quality of the team. Last season, the players were visibly fatigued and lack of proper rotation resulted in their elimination from Europe.
This season, Ernesto Valverde’s men endured two extremely demanding months without losing a single game.
📍Santiago Bernabéu#ElClásico & @LaLiga
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 2, 2019
4⃣ in a row. Historic.
🔵🔴 #WeColorFootball pic.twitter.com/imyCfT81Z0
In October, Barcelona faced Tottenham (Away), Valencia (Away), Sevilla (Home), Inter (Home) and Real Madrid (Home). The Blaugrana drew against Valencia and won the rest of their games. They hosted and defeated Sevilla, Inter and Madrid in a span of just eight days, scoring 11 goals and conceding just three.
The next test was in February when Barcelona had to deal with Valencia (Home), Madrid (Home), Athletic Bilbao (Away), Real Valladolid (Home), Sevilla (Away), Madrid (Away) and another game at the Bernabeu in the first game of March.
Lionel Messi
Taking the Copa del Rey match against Sevilla on January 30th, Barcelona had to play nine important games against tough opposition in a span of just 32 days. It comes as a marvellous feat that they managed to stay unbeaten in this period. Sure, they drew a couple of games in the league, but it’s unlikely that those results will hurt them in the future.
Of course, Barcelona had to deal with the challenge of harsh scheduling last season too and managed to stay unbeaten for a large part of the season. But they were not subjected to the mental fatigue a fixture list like they have been this season. Also, the general quality and competitiveness of La Liga has improved significantly and hence drilled them enough to ensure they conquer Europe.
Ousmane Dembele means business
Well, Ousmane Dembele was a part of the Barcelona squad last season too. But unlike last season, the Frenchman has won the coach over and has cemented himself as a starter without succumbing to injury.
The youngster boasts of traits that would make him a dangerous player in a knockout fixture. His acceleration and ability to take defenders on with impunity should allow him to make a difference in the most unexpected of moments.
Last season, the Catalans lacked a player like this, given Lionel Messi was shut down by the Roma defence. Dembele was on the bench but Valverde did not think it was appropriate to field him until Barcelona were 3-0 down.
Ousmane Dembele
Also, the Barcelona bench is better equipped this season. Players like Malcom, Arturo Vidal and Carles Alena can make a difference in whatever limited time they will be provided with.
This also gives Valverde extra incentive to field a second-string team in the weekend game ahead of a European tie – though he usually shies away from this.
Once bitten, twice shy
It is hard to think of another time that Barcelona failed to dispatch an opponent with lower quality, despite holding a significant lead after the first leg, such as what occurred against Roma.
The coach and the players will be extremely cautious not to repeat the same mistakes again. The embarrassment and the backlash they faced last season should be enough to guard against it.
Most importantly, the defence is stepping up at the right time. Gerard Pique and Clement Lenglet have been phenomenal in 2019 and look solid enough to halt any attack in Europe.
Barcelona conceded 19 goals in the first 13 games and just six in the next 13 games in La Liga this season. The defence has hence been more resolute in the second half of the season.
Ernesto Valverde
It’s safe to bet on Barcelona not repeating the same mistake two years in a row. Hence, only a team of significantly higher quality than Barcelona can stop them from making it a treble of trebles. Manchester City and Liverpool are probably the only two teams who can come close.
Tournament specialists Real Madrid can also prove to be a hurdle, but the Catalans enjoy a 10-2 aggregate score over their rivals this season and will be deemed favoutites.
