Lescott shared his insights while evaluating Barcelona’s chances of winning the Champions League this season.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Former Manchester City defender, Joleon Lescott has suggested that La Liga giants Barcelona will find Arsenal a tough nut to crack should they face each other in this season’s UEFA Champions League (UCL) semi-finals.
The British pundit shared his insights while rating Barcelona’s chances of winning the competition during a recent appearance on TNT Sports.
Arsenal and Barcelona are on a collision course for the semi-final stage if they win their respective quarter-final fixtures against Sporting CP and Atletico Madrid.
The Gunners defeated Bayer Leverkusen in the Round of 16 to set up their April tie with Sporting, while Barcelona progressed by thrashing Premier League side Newcastle United.
ALSO READ: AFCON 2025: Rooney chides CAF, insists ‘Senegal beat Morocco fair and square’
Speaking on a potential repeat of the 2006 Champions League final, Lescott noted that Arsenal’s tactical setup would pose significant ‘problems’ for the Spanish side.
When asked to rate the Blaugrana’s chances of lifting the trophy this season, he said: “I would not say so, just because of the way they defend.
“I think a more compact team like Arsenal, with the offensive talent they have, will cause Barca a lot of problems because I still think there are frailties in their defensive line.
“But yes, when they play like this—especially over two legs, given how exciting and dominant they are at home—they have a chance.”
