Winning the treble is getting tougher but Barcelona’s dreams are still alive

It is obvious that in world football, a team’s success is measured by the trophies they have earned. Thus far into an impressive campaign, Barcelona have the ability to clinch a treble.

Since 1966, there have been eight teams to pull off the impressive feat of winning the treble. The only club in history to achieve the treble twice is of course, Barcelona and to add a little insult to injury, their eternal rivals have never tasted the glory of a treble.

With the large quantities of money present in today’s football market, competition is higher than ever. This has always been a hallmark of the Premier League, where it is known that the league leaders can lose to any given team.

Recently though, we have seen this sort of competition become prevalent throughout all leagues, exemplified by Spain’s current La Liga campaign. Look no further than Barcelona’s recent draws with Espanyol and Getafe to understand just how the landscape of world football is changing.

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In addition, Real Madrid a team whose total market value is 858,500,000 euros sits in fourth place in La Liga. Given this information and the insane amounts of money some teams are able to spend such as PSG, achieving the treble is something that is surely becoming more difficult.

After an away draw at Chelsea, Barcelona look to be in good shape to achieve just that though. Barcelona already have a spot in a final guaranteed in the Copa del Rey, versus Sevilla. While Sevilla have been exceptional this season and been a force in Spain, as well as Europe, Barcelona are clear favorites to lift the trophy yet again.

Secondly, Barcelona’s current league campaign sees them sitting in first place ahead of Atletico Madrid by seven points. This is a lofty lead and although Atletico Madrid are no longer in the Champions League, they do have the Europa League as a potential distraction.

Lastly, the most difficult tournament remaining for Barcelona to win is the Champions League. If the Blaugranas are able to dispatch Chelsea, the other seven teams moving into the final eight will be great European giants. Teams such as Real Madrid/PSG, Bayern Munich, Manchester City, and Juventus/Tottenham are teams that require a great deal of tactical and physical preparation.

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In essence, a season that started in the worst of ways with a 5-1 aggregate loss to Real Madrid in the Super Cup has changed around for the best. The departure of Neymar has impacted the squad certainly, but in a different way than most fans and pundits thought it would.

Barcelona are moving forward as a unit, with an extremely strong and revitalized defense and midfield. Valverde has shifted the focus of his team from the trident that was MSN, into the 11 that is now Barcelona. Moving forward, if the team can sustain their form and be safe from injuries, Barcelona’s chances of winning a historic third treble are there.

In football, a team’s fortunes can change in 24 hours, but it seems as if this Barcelona team is prepared for all the challenges being hurtled at them. Unbeaten in La Liga and Champions League play and set for a final in the Copa Del Rey, their resilience and hunger is consistently showing through.

After outplaying Chelsea in their first leg, Barcelona now look forward to the second leg and a great outcome. In a couple of weeks, we will certainly know whether this team has the ability/chance to compete for the treble. Visca Barca!