Barcelona will kickstart their UEFA Champions League journey later tonight when they play hosts to Viktoria Plzen at Spotify Camp Nou.
The Catalans have been drawn in a difficult Group C that also includes Bayern Munich and Inter Milan apart from their tonight’s opponents.
Given their recent history against Bayern Munich, there are some skeptics about the Blaugrana finishing as the group winners this season, especially considering that they failed to make it past the first round of the competition last time out.
However, Viktoria Plzen manager Michal Bilek opines otherwise and has backed Xavi’s Barcelona to top Group C ahead of Bayern Munich.
Speaking on the eve of their meeting with Barça, the Viktoria Plzen manager said (h/t SPORT): “Out of our group I believe Barcelona have the highest chance to finish first.”
Talking about the opportunity to play an opposition of Barcelona’s level at a historic ground like Camp Nou, Bilek said:
“We are excited to be at the Camp Nou, it is wonderful, a privilege. We have a very difficult group and Barça is at a great level.”
Barcelona, for their part, have looked much improved this season and have made a strong start to the campaign. The Catalans are unbeaten in their first four La Liga matches so far, winning three on the bounce heading into the Champions League encounter.
The form of Robert Lewandowski, who has made a blistering start, certainly makes Barcelona favourites for Wednesday night’s clash. As for winning the group, it will not be easy against teams of Bayern Munich and Inter Milan’s quality.
But Xavi’s Barcelona certainly are in a much better shape than last season and have what it takes to challenge and even win the top spot in Group C.