As figures from UEFA and Mundo Deportivo point out, FC Barcelona guaranteed at least $77. 6 million in Champions League rewards thanks to their victory over Porto on Tuesday.
Much to the chagrin of travellers and stay-at-home travellers, two compatriots linked to arch-rivals Benfica – Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix – responded with goals to seal a 2-1 win for the hosts at the Estadio de Montjuic.
Barca are now top-ranked in Group H with 12 points, while Porto and Shakhtar Donetsk are behind with 9.
For this reason, they cannot yet say that the organization is won, an undeniable draw at Royal Antwerp on the final day is mandatory for the task to be carried out.
They may also take the honours on goal difference, even if they lose in Belgium.
What is certain is that Barça guaranteed passage to the circular of 16 for the first time since 2021 after two consecutive failures.
In addition, this week’s advances make cash-strapped Barça richer as a club.
The victory over Porto resulted in a bonus of $3. 076 billion (€2. 8 million) and another $10. 55 million (€9. 6 million) for qualifying for the round of 16, for a combined total of more than $13. 6 million (€12. 4 million).
This is in addition to the $63. 9 million (€58. 15 million) already guaranteed, made up of Barça’s first 3 wins in the Array ($9. 2 million/€8. 4 million), a bonus for their all-time valuation in the Array competition ($37. 5 million/€34. 11 million). and participation in 2023/2024 ($17. 2 million/€15. 64 million).
Before the close of the group stage, Barca could add another $3.076 million by beating Antwerp, who they thrashed 5-0 at home in their opening fixture this term.
It is one step at a time of course and Barca could face a difficult foe in the business end of the tournament.
Still, it’s not out of the question to dream of the additional $11. 65 million (€10. 6 million) they could earn by qualifying for the quarterfinals of the knockout stages, a feat that hasn’t been achieved since three years ago, when they met eventual winners Bayern Munich in 2020.