Ouahabi: We are ready for Barca test | OneFootball

Leila Ouahabi says City’s game final group game against Barcelona is an ideal opportunity to measure our progress in the Champions League.

Gareth Taylor’s side take on the European champions this evening at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, looking to seal top spot in Group D having already qualified for the quarter-finals.

The Blues - who will be missing several key players for this encounter due to various injuries - boast a 100% group record so far and a draw or better will guarantee top spot, while even a defeat of less than two goals would be enough for Taylor’s side to finish first having already beaten Barca 2-0 at the Joie Stadium this season.

Ouahabi says City want to play against the best teams in the world to test themselves – and adds there are few better sides in world football than Barcelona.

“We want to play against the best and it’s for that reason we are professional players,” said Ouahabi.

“It will be a very competitive game and I’m really happy to be playing against Barca.

“They have really good players, and everyone knows their qualities. We have good players as well and it will be a competitive and interesting game.

“I’m very happy and really proud for this team because we want to compete in the Champions League and for us it’s very important because we had a really good season last year.

“I think everyone is so excited to play these type of games and, obviously, I played in the Champions League before with Barca for a lot of years.

“I think what’s important [this evening] is to stay concentrated and to do your best – that is the most important thing because all the players in their team have very good qualities and it’s important to stay concentrated and to focus [on what we need to do].”

And on her return to her Catalonian roots, Ouahabi – who made 190 appearances for Barca over two spells – admits she has fond memories of helping her former club achieve their Champions League dream.

“I remember the day when I played for Barca against Chelsea, and we won the club’s first Champions League in 2021,” she said.

“It was amazing, it was my first Champions League success and it’s an incredible moment and experience, but now I want to play with Manchester City in this competition and enjoy.

“I want to go as far as possible with this team.”