Former Champions League winner, Jamie Carragher, doesn’t believe Barcelona currently have what it takes to win Europe’s premier competition despite their 6-1 over Olympiacos on Tuesday.
Barcelona, having reached the semifinals last season, are duly considered by many as one of the top contenders to prevail in the Champions League this term.
However, Carragher holds a different opinion as he believes the reigning La Liga champions do not currently boast the defensive robustness needed to win games against some of the best teams in Europe.
“They lost [last season’s Champions League semifinals] through naivety, really, maybe having a lot of young players,” the former Liverpool defender said on CBS Sports.
“When you look at the back four who played tonight, I’m not sure this back four can win the Champions League.
“It’s not just about playing with a high line, which gives them problems as well. Whenever you watch them, you always feel the opposition has a chance. It’s not just how they set up tactically.
“I’m not quite sure the defenders are good enough when they come up against a real elite team like Arsenal, PSG and Bayern Munich.”
Indeed, Barcelona have not been entirely convincing at the back so far this season. In fact, the Spanish giants are currently on a disappointing run of six games without a single clean sheet.
This defensive frailty has seen them drop crucial points in both La Liga and the Champions League with their defeats to Sevilla and Paris Saint-Germain respectively, two perfect cases in point.
Barcelona’s defence will once again come under scrutiny when they take on La Liga table toppers, Real Madrid, in the first El Clasico of the 2025/2026 campaign.
Olaoluwa is a dedicated sports writer and passionate football enthusiast with two years of experience. Known for his keen analysis and commitment to the game, his work reflects a deep love for football, blending strategic insight with the emotional moments that make it a global passion. He is focused on honing his skills and consistently aims to inspire and engage readers through every article he writes.
