After six long years of waiting, FC Barcelona has excelled again in the Champions League. The blaugrana team has reached the semifinals of the top European competition, and the excitement is palpable.
The team is not only fighting for the final in Munich but also for a financial prize that could transform the season.
A Key Battle in Montjuïc
The first leg of the semifinals was played in Montjuïc, where Barcelona hosted Inter Milan. A match full of tension, emotions running high, and goals. The first 20 minutes seemed like a blow for Hansi's men, with Inter taking the lead with two quick goals, but Barça didn't give up.
Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres managed to level the score before one more goal sealed the final draw. Everything remains open for the return match.
More Than Soccer, a Million-Euro Prize
Besides the sporting challenge, Barça has an economic motivation that can't be ignored. Thanks to the new Champions League format, which rewards performance during the group stage, the club has amassed a considerable amount of money. So far, it is estimated that Barça has earned about 83 million euros just for their performance in the competition.
This figure comes from various factors, such as participation in the group stage, victories and draws obtained, and eliminations in the round of 16 and quarterfinals. For example, just for being in the group stage, Barça received 18.6 million euros. Added to that are the 13.3 million for their results in the league phase and the 13 million for reaching the quarterfinals.
The Great Reward: More Than 100 Million
But there's more, FC Barcelona is guaranteed at least 101.3 million euros if they manage to eliminate Inter in the semifinals. If the team manages to advance to the final and, why not, lift the trophy in Munich, the figure would increase significantly. In total, the blaugranas could pocket 111.8 million euros, a more than tempting prize.
In this context, Joan Laporta, the club's president, has sent a clear message to his squad. "We're taking much more than sporting glory; we're playing for an economic future that we can't let slip by," Laporta told his players in a recent talk. It is a crucial moment not only for the club's history but also for its financial stability.