It’s been a rough patch for Barcelona on the continental stage. The 3–0 defeat at Chelsea exposed familiar cracks in their high line, while Ronald Araujo’s red card didn’t help their cause. Despite flashes of brilliance, including that 6–1 demolition of Olympiacos, inconsistency remains their Achilles’ heel. Still, Flick’s squad has found rhythm domestically, putting five past Real Betis over the weekend. Ferran Torres’ hat-trick reminded fans of his sharpness, and with 11 goals scored in their last three outings, the Catalans seem to have rediscovered their attacking groove. Can they finally translate that form into European success?

Even so, this isn’t the same old Camp Nou fortress. Barcelona have won just one of their last four Champions League fixtures, dropping to an unexpected 18th in the league-phase standings. That said, they’ve dominated German visitors historically, winning 16 of their last 20 home encounters. With Gavi and Ter Stegen still sidelined, Flick faces selection headaches, particularly over whether to stick with Torres as a false nine or recall Lewandowski. It’s hard to say which way he’ll go, but whichever lineup starts, the mission is clear: take control early and show resilience under pressure.

Frankfurt, meanwhile, arrive wounded and wary. Dino Toppmöller’s side were humiliated 6–0 by Leipzig last weekend, their third straight match without a win. The defense has been leaking goals: 13 in the last four matches and with top scorer Jonathan Burkardt out injured, their attacking spark looks dim. Still, the Eagles have a knack for surprises in Europe. Remember 2022, when they stunned Barcelona at Camp Nou in the Europa League? That memory will fuel their belief, even if recent form paints a grim picture.

This game feels like a crossroads for both teams. For Barcelona, it’s about restoring pride and securing qualification. For Frankfurt, it’s survival mode, pure and simple. The hosts have the firepower and motivation to dominate, but if they leave space in behind, Frankfurt’s quick transitions could sting them. Expect a high-tempo clash filled with emotion, tension, and moments that remind us why we love European nights. For more detailed insights and advanced analytics, check out our Champions League Predictions section at XpertStats.

Hansi Flick highlighted the competitive edge Barcelona must show in the Champions League, stressing that maintaining focus will be crucial against an intense Eintracht side. The coach confirmed Marc-André ter Stegen’s possible return but reiterated that Joan García “is the number one,” praising the squad’s resilience amid injuries and their recent improvement in possession and pressure. Source: as.com