As first in the group, Barça avoids some of the big favorites in the round of 16. Manchester City and Bayern, who are in all the pools, will not cross the path of the Barcelona fans in this phase. But that does not mean that next Monday's draw does not contain dangers for the Blaugrana, especially in these times when Barcelona is far from its best era. The ambushes can come from Italy (Lazio, Naples and, above all, Inter) or from Germany (Leipzig). Although, without a doubt, the most morbid matchup would be the one between Luis Enrique and Mbappé's PSG.
PSG
Classified on the last day and in agony, the leader of Ligue 1 would mean his return to the Camp Nou as Luis Enrique's rival. In his ranks Mbappé continues as a great figure. In 2021 they already met in the round of 16, with success for the French (1-4 in Barcelona and 1-1 at the Parc des Princes.
INTER DE MILAN
They are the current leader of Serie A and are in a sweet moment of form. He was second in the Real Sociedad group, against whom he tied in both games. His coach is still Simone Inzaghi and among his best-known footballers are Barella, the Argentine striker Lautaro Martínez and the Chilean former Barça player Alexis Sánchez. Team that has Xavi Hernández very fresh in his mind. Not in vain last season they faced each other in the group stage of the Champions League. The Lombards won in Milan 1-0 with a goal from Çalhanoglu after controversial refereeing. At the Camp Nou there was a heated draw (3-3) that practically left Barcelona with no options for the final day. Experienced rival who reached the Champions League final last year. Only City, and with difficulties, was able to knock him out.
NAPLES
This is the current champion of Italy. He is experiencing an irregular season after the high of having won the league last season. He is sixth in Serie A. Rudi García replaced Luciano Spalletti, who left after winning the title, but a month ago he was replaced by Walter Mazzarri. Among his stars are the Nigerian Osimhen and the Georgian Kvaratskhelia. The last precedent with the Barcelona fans brings back good memories for Xavi's team. It was in the Europa League of the 2021-2022 campaign. He passed Barcelona after drawing (1-1) at the Camp Nou and winning in Naples 2-4 in one of the most brilliant games of the Terrassa coach's first season on the bench.
LEIPZIG
Competitive team capable of making life difficult for anyone. They are currently fourth in the Bundesliga, 7 points behind the leader, Bayer Leverkusen. With Marco Rose in his second season on the bench, the squad includes acquaintances from the Barcelona youth team such as Dani Olmo, Xavi Simons and Ilaix Moriba. Also a Timo Werner who has not finished taking off amid injuries.
LAZIO
He is experiencing a campaign with many ups and downs and is tenth in Serie A. Serie A. Under the command of veteran Maurizio Sarri for the third consecutive season, some of his best-known players are the former Barcelona player Pedro, the former Girona player Taty Castellanos and the captain Immobile.
PSV EINDHOVEN
He is the outstanding leader of the Eredivisie where he has achieved 15 victories in 15 games. His coach since this summer, Peter Bosz, has hit the nail on the head. The former Blaugrana Luuk de Jong and Sergiño Dest, on loan from Barcelona to the Dutch club, wear their colors. The last precedent between the two teams had a Barcelona flavor. It was in the 2018-2019 Champions League. 1-2 in the Netherlands, with a goal from Luuk de Jong for PSV, and 4-0 for Barça at the Camp Nou
COPENHAGEN
By name the most affordable team for Barça. Second in the Bayern group ahead of Galatasaray and Manchester United. Third in the Danish league. His coach is Jacob Neestrup. In their ranks one of the greatest promises of European football, the Swedish striker Roony Bardghji.
