It is all about the draw, difference between QF & SF are just you could face the same opponent but in different round. A.Madrid was the best team in 2016 CL and we faced them in our worst time too. if we have met City or PSG in QF & then knocked out from AM we are still pretty much same team
We went out in the QFs in 2014 too. Then last year we almost went out in the R16, but a miracle made us pass to the QF where we got knocked out after losing badly again.
The draw have a lot to say too, but the way we've been going out is the most disturbing aspect of it. The team heavily underperformed in 2014, 2016 and 2017. Looked bad, got outplayed.
Cannot excuse that with the players in the team.
If we go out to Chelsea. This Chelsea. Then something have to be done because it won't be acceptable despite our great domestic season. I don't see how anyone can even argue against that. The board and fans should be able to demand better.
Okay, if we get a bad draw and go out because we've been unlucky, hit the post multiple times, had several great chances, or heavy underdogs, no problem. It happens. But getting outplayed or underperforming big time?
Cannot happen again this season.
It's time for the players to take some responsibility too. If they can't, then they shouldn't play for Barca or take a paycut. I like what Pique said today about learning from what's been happening last few seasons and how it cannot be repeated.
It also seems like he doesn't think even a domestic double will make up for a poor CL title challenge.
"Expectations are maximum. We go out as favourites, with a chance to win. I know the atmosphere is positive, very favourable, everything looks good, but I think we have to be more prudent. We have to learn from experience, what has happened in recent years and know that one bad day could see you knocked out of the Champions League. A bad result against Chelsea could turn the good season we are having into one that's not so good."
In that sense, Pique added: "That's why we have to go there with iron feet. We know where we are, in La Liga and in the cup we're in a good position, and now we have to do it in the Champions League. That's why we will play Chelsea with the aim of getting a good result, to try to win to take the first step in this tie."