FC Barcelona could face several formidable opponents in the Champions League’s last 16 and quarterfinals, according to insights from SPORT journalist Xavi Espinosa on X, the platform previously known as Twitter.

Despite an early setback in the chilly weather, where they conceded a goal within the first ten minutes, the Catalan team bolstered their chances for automatic qualification to the knockout rounds by securing a 4-2 victory over Slavia Prague on Wednesday night.

Hansi Flick’s squad took the lead with a double from standout player Fermin Lopez, although an own goal by Robert Lewandowski just before halftime leveled the score.

In the second half, Dani Olmo substituted for the injured Pedri around the 60-minute mark and delivered a spectacular goal, followed by Lewandowski redeeming himself with a goal in the opponent’s net.

At that point in the evening, Barcelona was occupying the final automatic qualifying position, eighth place, but dropped to ninth after Chelsea secured a 1-0 victory.

With only one match remaining in the league phase, a home game against Copenhagen, Barcelona is well-positioned to avoid a playoff for the knockout stage, which is required for teams finishing between ninth and 24th. Goal difference will also play a significant role in their qualification.

With just one match to spare in the league phase, against Copenhagen at home, Barca is in a good position to not need a playoff for the KO stage as those finishing ninth to 24th do, while goal difference will also be important.

FC Barcelona has heavyweight potential opponents awaiting it in the Champions League

How things are shaping up, though, it could face heavyweight opponents in the next phase of the competition in what will be some of the toughest matches of the season.

In the last 16, Barca could meet one of two teams it has already lost to this term in Chelsea or Paris Saint-Germain, if not Manchester City.

The preferred opponent might be Newcastle United, though, who it memorably beat in September thanks to a double from Marcus Rashford in St. James’ Park.

Furthermore, the return legs would be away meaning a good score should be put up at the Spotify Camp Nou before going into the Lions’ Den on the road.

Because of finishing seventh or eighth, there are hard tests in the quarterfinals if Barca gets past the last 16, which would be the 1st and 2nd placed Premier League leader Arsenal or Bundesliga equivalent Bayern Munich.

At the same time, though, if the Blaugrana only manages to stay in ninth, it is La Liga rivals Athletic Bilbao or Olympiacos in the playoffs then seventh or eighth place Newcastle United or Chelsea in the last 16.

In any event, this is football’s premier club tournament and there will be no easy fixtures on the way to the crown.

If FC Barcelona wants to be the best, for the first time since 2015, it will have to beat the best.