While things are going well for FC Barcelona in the Spanish league, the Catalans are under pressure in the Champions League. Coach Xavi Hernández’s team only have three points. In the prominently occupied Group C, points are needed to keep the chance of progressing alive. Inter Milan come to the Camp Nou on Wednesday evening (12.10.2022).
FC Bayern, FC Barcelona and Inter Milan. Three top-class players are fighting in Group C for a place in the knockout phase. Munich are as good as through with nine points. The “Nerazzurri” and the “Blaugrana” probably take second place among themselves. Before the duel on Wednesday evening, the Italians have twice as many points in their account.
Because Barça dropped points in the previous three group games. The Catalans only scored points (5:1) at the start against an excessively overwhelmed Viktoria-Pilsen team. In Munich (0: 2) and Milan (0: 1) there was nothing for FC Barcelona to get.
On track in the league
Things are going well for Barça in the Spanish La Liga. After eight match days, the 26-time champion greets from the top of the table. The team already has 22 points, just as many as their Madrid rivals. But the Catalans’ record speaks for itself: Barça have scored the most goals (22) and conceded the fewest goals in the league (1). The rebuilding from the summer is bearing fruit.
The well-known newcomers around attackers Robert Lewandowski and Raphina as well as the defensive specialists Andreas Christensen, Jules Kounde and Franck Kessie hit the ground running. “Lewy” is the top scorer in the league – the Pole has already scored nine times for his new team. The best defense in the league ensures stability that the club lacked last year.
Overwintering in the Champions League is financially necessary
The fact that FC Barcelona is also wintering in the premier class is of immense importance for the club’s ailing overall situation. Because the financial situation of the traditional Spanish club is still alarming. Even after a relieving partial sale of 25 percent of the TV rights, Barça is faced with an enormous mountain of debt: According to club president Joan Laporta, this was 1.35 billion euros in August 2021.
The next dilemma threatens with the possible Champions League exit. By spending around 150 million euros on transfers, the risky strategy of high-priced star purchases was continued in the summer.
If the calculated Champions League income does not materialize, there is a risk that the financial situation will deteriorate further. FC Barcelona would probably lose up to 52 million euros in income.
Barça can still avoid this scenario. A win against Inter would be the first step – otherwise the Catalans are not just threatened with a sporty blow to the neck.