5 reasons why Barcelona will win the Champions League

It would be easy to suggest Spain’s domination of soccer is a relatively recent phenomenon, given that it wasn’t until 2008 when they finally emerged as an international force, but it could be argued that ‘futbol’ has ruled since the game became as important as it is today.

Throughout the twentieth century, Real Madrid truly were the kings of the beautiful game, winning five straight European Cups in the 1950s and later being named as the best club in that hundred year period.

Sixteen years into the 21st century, despite taking their Champions League haul to a record of eleven, it is Real’s arch rivals Barcelona who have taken over as the dominant force, winning the continental competition four times in that time, re-writing history as they go.

It seems inconceivable that a team from LaLiga won’t win the trophy each year, or at least, with the Blaugrana successful in 2011 and 2015 and Los Blancos in 2014 and 2016, beating Atletico Madrid at the final hurdle on both occasions.

You can bet that Barcelona’s stars are anxious to avoid the prospect of allowing their bitter rivals to hoist the trophy once again. In many ways, their entire campaign will be judged on their ability to outlast Real Madrid on the world’s biggest stage.

No team has ever defended this trophy since its rebrand in 1992, meaning history suggests Real will not be champions in May. Here are five reasons why Barcelona will be victorious once again.