How far should Barcelona go in the Champions League this season?

Barcelona’s Champions League ambitions received a timely boost on Friday when the Round-of-16 draw paired the Blaugrana with Newcastle United and, just as importantly, steered them clear of Europe’s heavyweight contenders. By landing on the bracket opposite Bayern Munich, Manchester City, Real Madrid and reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain, Hansi Flick’s squad found itself on the more navigable side of the knockout tree.

The immediate task is straightforward: dispatch an energetic Newcastle side over two legs and book a quarter-final berth. Should they advance, the path grows steeper but remains manageable. A potential last-eight meeting with Atlético Madrid looms as the first major hurdle, with a semi-final showdown against Arsenal the worst-case scenario en route to the final. On paper, Barcelona have every reason to target at least a semi-final appearance, and anything less would feel like a missed opportunity given the favorable draw.

Inside the club, the mood is cautiously optimistic. Sources indicate that the coaching staff has already begun detailed scouting of Newcastle, wary of the Premier League side’s physicality and pressing game. Flick, wary of complacency, has repeatedly stressed respect for the English club, mindful that European upsets often begin with overlooked opposition.

Off the pitch, the club is juggling more than tactics. Presidential elections are scheduled for the spring, and officials are working to ensure that the political calendar does not collide with the decisive second leg against Newcastle. The last thing Barcelona want is a distracted boardroom while their season hangs in the balance.

The draw also offers a reprieve from recent disciplinary headaches. UEFA has fined the club after crowd trouble in Prague—flares in the away end and a late match restart—underscoring the need for a focused, professional approach in the coming weeks.

So, how far should this Barcelona side go? Given the bracket, a semi-final spot is the minimum expectation. Whether they can ride the momentum all the way to the final will depend on squad health, tactical discipline, and a bit of the Champions League magic that has long defined the Catalan giants.