En route to a perfect treble
After sealing their berth in the Copa del Rey final, Barcelona are one step closer to lifting all three titles they are aiming for this season.
Having clinched a fifth consecutive place in the Copa del Rey final after breezing past Valencia at Mestalla, Barcelona will face Sevilla with the hope that they can win the competition for a fourth successive time.
La Liga is all but sealed in their favour. The Catalans have not won it yet, but Real Madrid sit 14 points off the pacesetters. With 16 fixtures still to be played, Atletico Madrid are nine points behind. However, the only remaining unbeaten side with 18 wins and four draws, Valverde's men look as solid as ever on their road to claiming the Spanish crown,
In fact, who will win La Liga is no longer the question at hand. The debate has been reduced to by how many points Barcelona will claim it and will they do so without conceding defeat.
The Champions League, as always, is the toughest test of all. Having topped their group, the round of 16 presents itself as anything but easy. Chelsea are currently immersed in something of a rough patch, but they are still one of the trickiest opponents they could have hoped for at such an early stage in a competition where the smallest of details can ultimately prove to be the difference.
Seven wins are needed to lift the coveted continental trophy and the path will only get harder as they hurdle rivals on the way. Few sides can be as confident as Barcelona in the Champions League, even if form and fitness levels may vary from February to May, Valverde's men seem prepared.
Barcelona will hope to replicate the treble, something achieved by Valverde's predecessor Luis Enrique three seasons ago. Guided by the trusted asset that is Lionel Messi, Barca fans have several reasons to remain hopeful this seasons. Ter Stegen's unparalleled season between the sticks, or the balance provided by Paulinho in midfield as he links up with Busquets. Jordi Alba is flying down the left flank and Coutinho and Dembele will provide fresh air for a squad weary from their efforts.
A situation few imagined after Real Madrid thrashed the Catalans in the Spanish Supercopa and Neymar departed the Camp Nou in August. Much to the credit of Ernesto Valverde's patience, Barcelona now face the second half of the season full of optimism.