1. Barcelona
There are no prizes for guessing the leaders of these power rankings. Barcelona have been a force of nature this season. While Raphinha continues his goal-scoring spree with 11 UCL goals, he is supported ably by wonderkid Lamine Yamal and the experienced Robert Lewandowski. The defense has also improved in recent games, unlocking a gear that other teams in Europe have failed to match.
The tie against Benfica in the Round of 16 was just another day in the office for Hansi Flick’s men. They’re leading Laliga, have finished second in the league stages of the UCL, and have always turned up in the big games of the season, having won both Clasicos of the season. They’ve given a great account of their credentials to win multiple trophies this season.
There’s a sense of inevitability around this young and fierce Barcelona squad, they’ve taken every challenge into their stride and emerged with positive results. The match-up against Borussia Dortmund in the quarterfinals of the Champions League might as well go down as any other game for Flick’s Barca.
There would be added flavors in Robert Lewandowski facing off against his former club and a German manager leading Barcelona against one of German Football’s undisputed giants. But, as things stand, Barcelona have a fair chance of progressing to the semifinals as everything in the season so far has come up in favor of the Blaugrana.
Final Verdict: Teams that progress to the semis: Bayern, Barcelona, Real Madrid, and PSG.