Five coincidences that make fans believe Barcelona will win the Champions League this season

Barcelona are on the brink of securing a spot in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, having convincingly defeated Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of the quarter-finals.

Despite being considered the underdogs, Xavi’s team has displayed an impressive level of performance, particularly since Xavi announced his departure at the end of the season.

Currently on a 12-match unbeaten streak, Barcelona can fully concentrate on their Champions League campaign without the distractions of the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup.

Furthermore, Barcelona seem to be benefiting from some fortunate coincidences that suggest they might go all the way in the tournament. Let’s take a closer look at a few of these occurrences.

Cote D’Ivoire’s triumph

It is worth mentioning that Cote D’Ivoire has clinched the African Cup of Nations only three times in their history, with the most recent victory being this year. 

Interestingly, each time they lifted the trophy, Barcelona emerged triumphant in the UEFA Champions League. These synchronicities occurred in the years 1992, 2015, and now the African nation has done it in 2024. 

So, while the Ivorian national team was celebrating their continental success, Barcelona were also experiencing their own glory on the European stage.

The PSG win indicates something

Barcelona beat PSG in the UCL quarter-final in 2015. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Despite their recent struggles in the Champions League, Barcelona’s 3-2 victory over PSG offers a glimmer of hope for fans. It is a significant achievement, especially considering their recent form in the tournament.

To put it in perspective, the last time Barcelona managed to score three goals away from home in a Champions League fixture was during the 2014/15 season. 

Remarkably, that season ended with Barcelona lifting the coveted trophy, hinting at the potential significance of this recent victory.

Adding to the intrigue, it is worth noting that Barcelona faced PSG in the same stage of the competition back in the 2014/15 season. In that encounter, Barcelona secured a 3-1 victory in the first leg, also played away from home.

An intriguing group stage defeat

Barcelona were beaten by Shakhtar in 2008. (Photo credit: JOSEP LAGO/AFP via Getty Images)

The last time Barcelona lost the final group stage match with a 2-3 scoreline was in the 2008/09 season.

That season turned out to be a triumphant one for the team as they went on to claim the prestigious Champions League title. 

This season, the Blaugrana faced an unfortunate 2-3 defeat at the hands of Royal Antwerp in their final group stage match of the season. Coincidence? Maybe.

Manchester United have always favoured Barcelona

Manchester United have been on the losing side against Barcelona in the Champions League final on two occasions. However, this season, they might go on to favour the Blaugrana even without knowing.

Why? Well, the most recent instance of Manchester United finishing at the bottom of their Champions League group dates back to the 2005/06 season.

Interestingly, that same season, Barcelona emerged victorious in the Champions League. This season, United finished at the bottom of their group too.

A weird connection between Germany and Wembley

Barcelona won the Champions League at Wembley in 2011. (Photo by LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images)

The UEFA Euro 2024 is set to take place in Germany, marking a return to the country that last hosted a major international tournament in 2006 and 2011. Notably, these were the same years when Barcelona clinched the UEFA Champions League title.

Interestingly, there is a peculiar link between Munich and Wembley for Barcelona. To grasp this connection, we need to look back at history. 

The 1993 Champions League final took place in Munich, while the preceding year, in 1992, it was hosted at Wembley where Barcelona emerged victorious.

Continuing the pattern, the 2012 final was held in Munich and the 2011 showdown at Wembley. Again, Barcelona claimed victory.

Adding to the intrigue, the 2025 UEFA Champions League final is scheduled for Munich, with this year’s final set to unfold at Wembley Stadium.