The Spanish newspaper "Sport" confirmed that Barcelona is facing a real challenge in the UEFA Champions League this season due to a lack of offensive effectiveness, despite the team scoring 23 goals, 22 of which were in the group stage. This is an acceptable figure compared to major clubs like Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain.

The report pointed out that the main problem lies in the absence of players capable of deciding major matches, which was previously considered an advantage for the team. For example, the trio of Lamine Yamal (4 goals), Raphinha (1 goal), and Robert Lewandowski (2 goals) have collectively scored the same number of goals as the trio of Haaland, Julian Alvarez, and Osimhen, and fewer than Harry Kane, Gordon, and Mbappe, who tops the scoring list.

The report added that Ferran Torres only added two goals, which improves the numbers superficially but does not address the core issue, which is the lack of attacking effectiveness in the center-forward position, making it difficult to win the Champions League if this situation continues.

Last season, Barcelona came close to reaching the final, missing out by just three minutes. The attacking trio of Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, and Lewandowski scored 29 goals, while Ferran added three goals.

The report also clarified that the team's match against Newcastle saw only two attempts on goal, with a lackluster performance from Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Ferran Torres, despite their best efforts. Historically, the teams that have won the Champions League have placed their forwards among the top scorers, except for the 1992 edition, which had a different format.

The report highlighted the contribution of other players with goals in the Champions League this season, such as Dani Olmo and Koundé, while midfielders contributed in a limited way except for Fermín López. There was a clear contrast between European and domestic performances, with eight other players scoring goals in the Spanish league, including Bernal, Araújo, Bardhi, Pedri, Pau Cubarsi, Eric García, De Jong, and Christensen.

The report emphasized that Barcelona urgently needs to enhance the effectiveness of its forwards in the UEFA Champions League to boost its chances of competing for the title, as maintaining the current situation will make it difficult for the team to lift Europe's most prestigious trophy.