Barcelona fans can at least take solace in the news that their beloved club will go into next season’s Champions League draw in pot 1.
The 2023/24 season is yet another season for the Blaugrana to forget, as they were unable to win a trophy and failed to advance beyond the quarter-finals in the Uefa Champions League.
Also, now erstwhile manager, Xavi Hernandez had once stated his desire to leave at the end of the season, a desire that was later changed, only for him to get sacked at the end of the season. It was truly a season to forget.
However, the announcement made by Uefa recently regarding the teams and their pot seedings would have brought some hope and expectations for the Blaugrana fans going into the next season.
This means Barcelona has a big advantage because they will avoid facing other top teams early on in the competition. Let’s explore how this happened and why it’s so exciting for Barca fans.
Meanwhile, fans can get proactive, and book Barcelona tickets for next season on an online resale store.
How Did Barcelona End Up in Pot 1?
Atalanta’s Europa League victory
Atalanta, an Italian club, needed to finish fifth in Serie A for AS Roma to get a Champions League spot. Instead, Atalanta finished fourth by winning 3-0 against Torino. This result kept AS Roma out of the Champions League, opening a spot in Pot 1.
With that in mind, Barcelona fans have Ademola Lookman and Co to thank for this huge favour.
Bayer Leverkusen’s Loss
Bayer Leverkusen, the German Bundesliga champions, could have taken Barcelona’s place in Pot 1 if they had won the Europa League. However, they lost 3-0 to Atalanta in the final. This loss ensured that Barcelona would remain in Pot 1. Barcelona fans would have watched that game, with keen interest after all!
Benfica’s Promotion
Since Atalanta is already in the Champions League through their league position, the titleholders’ spot wasn’t needed. Benfica, with the best coefficient among qualifying teams, moved directly into the group stage, filling another spot without affecting Barcelona’s position.
New Champions League Format
The next Champions League season introduces a new format. Instead of the usual 32 teams, there will be 36 teams in one big league table. Teams will play eight matches, four at home and four away, and teams from the same country will be kept apart as much as possible. The top eight teams go straight to the round of 16, while teams placed 9th to 24th play in knockout playoffs.
Why Is Being in Pot 1 an Advantage?
Avoiding Top Teams
Teams in Pot 1 don’t have to play against other teams in the same pot during the group stage. This means Barcelona will avoid facing powerhouses like Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain early on.
Better Matchups
Being in Pot 1 generally means easier opponents from the other pots, increasing the chances of winning more games and advancing to the knockout rounds.
Confidence Boost for the team
Starting the tournament in Pot 1 can give players and fans a huge morale boost. Knowing they are considered one of the top teams can enhance their performance on the field. Well, it is also necessary to note that this could also backfire and cause overconfidence in the team.
The New Champions League Format Explained
36 Teams in One League Table
Instead of the usual groups, all 36 teams are placed in one big league table. Each team plays eight matches, four at home and four away.
Pot Seeding
Teams are drawn from different pots. Pot 1 includes the champions of top leagues and the team with the best coefficient. Pots 2, 3, and 4 include other qualifying teams based on their performance and rankings.
Automated Draw
The draw for the group stage will involve a computer to handle the complexities of the new format. This ensures a balanced and fair distribution of matches.
Advancement into the next rounds
The top eight teams go directly to the round of 16. Teams placed 9th to 24th will play in a two-legged knockout playoff round. Teams placed 25th to 36th are eliminated from the competition.
How Barcelona can advance in the competition
They would potentially have an easier Group Stage
With potentially easier matchups in the group stage, Barcelona has a great chance to win more games and secure a top spot in the league table.
Focus on Performance
Knowing they will be in a strong position, the team can focus on their performances without the pressure of facing top-tier teams too early.
Strategic Planning
The new format will allow Barcelona to strategically plan their matches. Winning early games can set a positive tone for the rest of the tournament.
Teams to Watch Out For
Pot 2
Teams like Bayer Leverkusen, Atlético Madrid, and Juventus are strong contenders going into the tournaments next season. Arsenal and Benfica also pose significant threats.
Qualifying Teams
Some teams, like Club Brugge, Rangers, and Shakhtar Donetsk, need to secure their spots through qualifying rounds. These teams can be quite unpredictable and prove to be challenging opponents.
Pots 3 and 4
These pots will include teams that come through qualifying rounds. Clubs like Celtic, AS Monaco, Aston Villa, and Bologna will be looking to make their mark.
Conclusion
Barcelona being in Pot 1 for the 2024-25 Champions League draw is fantastic news for the club and its fans. This advantage sets them up for a promising start in the competition.
With the new format and easier matchups in the group stage, Barcelona has an amazing opportunity to go far in the tournament. Fans and supporters can look forward to an exciting season ahead, filled with exciting fixtures and the hope of seeing their beloved team lift the Champions League title once again.
Camila