It's been only three short years since Barcelona lifted the Champions League trophy, but the silverware drought since then will render any forthcoming success all the sweeter.

Following last night's spectacular 5-2 win over Lyon, then, some at Camp Nou will dare to dream that the time is ripe for another victory on the continental stage.

With just two Spanish teams remaining in the competition, it's time to ask: can the Primera Division's leaders, Barcelona, go all the way and lift the Champions League trophy again?

The Case For

First of all, Barcelona's midfield and attacking play was for the most part a joy to watch.

Andres Iniesta, missing from the first leg, came back into the side for Sergio Busquets, and immediately set about showing the world exactly why the Blaugrana are so keen to tie him down for the rest of his career. Xavi, too, was integral; and even Yaya Toure, the 'straight man' of the midfield trio, was afforded the time and space to drive forward, something he did with aplomb.

Then there are the forwards. Bad news first: despite Samuel Eto'o's brilliantly-taken goal, his was not a convincing performance, and there remain question marks over his form. Still, a goal's a goal - as Thierry Henry will tell you. The Frenchman, drifting between the left and the centre, is back to his predatory best; and while Lionel Messi saw little of the ball, what he did with it was, well, Messi-esque.

Pep Guardiola's men, then, were absolutely rampant in the first half, displaying no end of confidence - at a time when they were accused of having lost their nerve, no less. In previous seasons such a fight-back after weeks of poor form would have been unlikely; this time it was expected.

The Case Against

Yet there remain problems. The big, fat, "2" on the scoreboard indicates that all is not well defensively. The injury situation is considerable: Carles Puyol, having a renaissance season, is sorely missed, with Rafael Marquez's positioning looking increasingly erratic, and Gerard Pique's style, while earnest and energetic, lacking any level of finesse. Out on the left, Sylvinho, of whom I have been a staunch defender over the last two years, is reaching the end of the line. As for Victor Valdes, well, that's been done to death; suffice to say he remains less than world-class, which is what Barcelona need.

Then there is the concern of squad depth. We saw how the defence toiled without Puyol; and one need only look back to the first leg to see how the midfield fared without Iniesta. Busquets, to be fair to him, is exceedingly young, and very talented, but one cannot expect a player of his relative inexperience to drive a three-man midfield towards a European trophy. Similarly, it doesn't take a world-class pundit to see what becomes of the forward line when it is deprived of the brilliance of Messi, or even of Henry.

With the gap in La Liga not what it once was, and ill-fated attempts at rotation (such as in the draw with Betis) ending in more dropped points, Guardiola hasn't the luxury of being able to rest players for continental competition. It is this fight on two fronts, then, that puts a coherent Blaugrana challenge in jeopardy. Seeking a balance of rotation may see both missions fail - unimaginable as it may seem. Instead, 'ironman' play from the key players is exactly what is required if this Barcelona side are to fulfil their potential - and they do have the potential to go all the way.

Ewan Macdonald, Goal.com

 

I think they have a good chance, but if there is anything that is a little suspect, it's the defense. When they run into another heavy hitter (let's say Man U) they wont score as easily as they did against Lyon.

 

Man U will prevail again. Barca is their only competition this year...

 

Fixed it for you.

 

now that I can't cheer for atletico I'm counting on Barca

(i know... I keep setting myself up for failure)

But VIVA ESPANA

 

IMO Barcelona have what it take to go all the way, All they need is lady luck to stand by their side with reference to injuries.

However, I will be satisfied if they reach the semis of the CL and win both the Spanish Cup and the La Liga...REMEMBER this is Guordiola's first season with the team!