It's been a while since Barcelona lifted the Champions League trophy back in the 2014-15 season, but the Spanish giants are eager to make a statement in their first match of this season's competition against Monaco.
Last season, Barca made it to the quarter-finals of the Champions League, but now with a new coach, Hansi Flick, they are off to a strong start in LaLiga.
Leading the way in LaLiga, Barcelona are feeling confident about their prospects in the revamped Champions League, where they will face teams like Young Boys, Red Star Belgrade, and Brest in the League Stage.
However, their first opponents, Monaco, have also had a solid start to the season and will pose a challenge at the Stade Louis II.
Team news
Monaco will be missing Edan Diop and Radoslaw Majecki due to injuries.
Barcelona will have to cope without Gavi, Fermin Lopez, Marc Bernal, Ronald Araujo, Frenkie de Jong, Andreas Christensen, and Dani Olmo for the upcoming match.
There are doubts over Ansu Fati's availability due to a foot injury.
The stats
Barcelona have kicked off the LaLiga season with five wins in five matches, but they have conceded in four of those games.
Monaco have scored in every one of their four league matches this season, with a total of six goals in their last three outings.
Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Dani Olmo have collectively scored 13 goals in the league this season.
Prediction
Barcelona have had one of the strongest starts to their domestic campaign compared to most teams in Europe. This makes them potential dark horses in the Champions League this season.
Under the guidance of Hansi Flick, Barcelona have triumphed in all five recent LaLiga matches, including a remarkable 7-0 victory against Real Valladolid.
Despite dealing with multiple injuries, Barcelona's squad depth has been tested early on, yet they have coped well. Even without Dani Olmo in the lineup, they should have enough to overcome Monaco.
Having already defeated Valencia, Athletic Bilbao, Rayo Vallecano, Real Valladolid, and Girona this season, Barcelona are well-positioned to add Monaco to their list of victories.
While Monaco secured a 3-0 win over Barcelona in the Joan Gamper Trophy during the pre-season, it should be taken with caution.
Nevertheless, Monaco is expected to give a tough fight, and they might score despite facing a defeat.
Barcelona has shown vulnerability at the back in the early LaLiga games, and Monaco has the attacking quality to breach their defense.
Monaco's recent 3-0 win over Auxerre showcased their attacking options, with Folarin Balogun and Breel Embolo competing for the striker position.