We are down to the 'elite 8' of football teams in Europe, and Gabriele Marcotti of the Times gives an in-depth look at the strengths, weaknesses and prospects of each team as they head into the quarterfinal stage of the UEFA Champions League.
Barcelona
Campaign thus far
A few wobbles in the group stage - gaining just one of six points from Rubin Kazan did not look good - cast doubt over whether they can repeat last year’s perfect season. But, when it counts - like in the 2-0 humiliation of Jose Mourinho’s Inter or the 4-0 drubbing of Stuttgart - Barca have kicked it up several notches.
Dangermen
Leo Messi scored 38 goals last year. This season he’s already at 31, with two months to go. The little man is elusive, sharp and seemingly indestructible. Gerard Pique is having a monster season at the back and Xavi remains one of the best midfield generals around.
Fear Factor: 5/5
Still the benchmark, following a season in which they won six of six competitions. Want to nitpick? They’re not very big and can be pushed around. Zlatan Ibrahimovic hasn’t lived up to expectations. But, frankly, sometimes you get the sense they could play with ten men and it wouldn’t make a difference.
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