For the first time since Messi left. Barcelona lifts Champions League curse

Last night, Catalan Barcelona managed to reach the knockout stages of the Champions League for the first time in three years.

This happened for the first time since the departure of Argentine striker Lionel Messi. As you know, the former team leader moved to the French PSG in 2021, but now plays for American Inter Miami.

It is reasonable to remind that in the match of the 5th round of the group stage of the Champions League, the current champion of Spain hosted Porto and managed to win with a score of 2:1. Thus, the Catalans guaranteed themselves a place in the Champions League playoffs ahead of schedule.

It is interesting that before this, for two years in a row, the Catalan club could not make it to the playoffs of the most prestigious club tournament in Europe. Twice the Catalans took third place in the group stage of the tournament.

In the final round of the group stage of the Champions League, Barcelona will play away against the Belgian Antwerp. The meeting will take place on December 13.