Barcelona can secure qualification to the Champions League Round of 16 tomorrow vs Shakhtar

After two years of ignominy in the UEFA Champions League due to their elimination from the group stages, Barcelona could put those demons behind them tomorrow night when they take on Shakhtar Donetsk.

The past couple of seasons have been forgettable for the Blaugrana when it comes to their performances in Europe. Injuries played a part, but not being able to make it past the first round is certainly a blemish for a club of Barça’s stature.

However, Xavi Hernandez, who celebrated his second-year anniversary as the manager of Barcelona today, could guide the team through to the Round of 16 of the Champions League tomorrow.

Barcelona’s solid start to the UCL this season

Drawn in Group H along with Royal Antwerp, FC Porto, and Shakhtar Donetsk – the champions of Belgium, Portugal, and Ukraine, respectively, Barça have made a fine start to their European campaign.

Indeed, the Blaugrana have won three in three already in the Champions League this season, scoring eight goals while letting in just one in the process.

Having kicked things off in style with a 5-0 thrashing of Royal Antwerp, Barcelona secured hard-earned victories over Porto (1-0) and Shakhtar Donetsk (2-1).

As a result, Xavi & co. sit atop Group H with nine points from three games, three points clear of Porto in second place and six above third-placed Shakhtar.

What must Barça do vs Shakhtar to seal qualification?

As Barcelona prepare to take on Shakhtar Donetsk in Hamburg tomorrow in Matchday 4, they find themselves on the cusp of qualification for the knockout rounds.

Indeed, given that they are already on nine points, the La Liga champions will be through to the Round of 16 of the Champions League, if they secure a win or even a draw against Shakhtar tomorrow night.

A win or a draw would put Barça out of Shakhtar’s reach, securing a passage to the knockout stages of the Champions League for the first time in three seasons.

Meanwhile, at the other end of Group H, Royal Antwerp will be eliminated if they fail to defeat Porto in their game tomorrow.