Former Ballon d’Or winner predicts Barcelona vs Arsenal in the Champions League final | OneFootball

Rivaldo, FC Barcelona legend and former Ballon d’Or winner, has spoken out on the current form of Hansi Flick’s team following their 4–0 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals.

The Brazilian even compared Flick’s side to Pep Guardiola’s iconic Barça team that dominated European football and defined an era for the club, while backing them to reach the Champions League finals.

Huge praise for Flick’s Barcelona

“If it is not at the same level, it is very close. In any case, it is clear that they are not far off from reaching that standard and could end the season on a high note. This team has everything, and they are very close to winning all three competitions,” said Rivaldo.

“If that happens, Barcelona will be on everyone’s lips. The players are fully united on the pitch, passing the ball fluidly… I do not see any problems there.

“The atmosphere is great, and the coach is selecting the best players. He has brought the group together, they are playing cohesively, and the results are coming,” he added.

After the 4-0 win over Dortmund, Rivaldo is confident about Barcelona’s place in the next round, saying:

“Here I can say for sure – Barcelona are already in the semi-finals. With all due respect, there is no way Borussia are scoring four against Barça.”

The 1999 Ballon d’Or winner even predicted the finalists for Munich, saying: “I believe the final will be between Barcelona and Arsenal.”

Rivaldo is in awe of Flick’s Barcelona. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images for FIFA)

The start of a new Barça era?

Rivaldo also reflected on the possibility of Barcelona beginning a new dominant era in Spanish and European football, potentially reversing roles with Real Madrid.

“Such a shift would be very positive. However, we need to wait and see how Barcelona finish these three competitions – La Liga, the Champions League, and the Copa del Rey are still undecided,” he noted.

Rivaldo stressed the potential benefits of this shift, adding: “This kind of role reversal would be very, very good for football. For the sport in general, for competitiveness, and of course, for Barcelona.

“The football Barça have been playing recently, especially since the coaching change, is admirable. Just two or three years ago, the club was in a tough spot, with very little going right, which is why we saw so many changes both on and off the pitch.

“The situation was highly exposed, but it is now improving, and it would be fantastic if that continues.”

Source: AS