Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez has expressed his belief that the Catalan giants will reach the Champions League final this season, as the club enters the decisive phase of the campaign.

Despite not being a regular starter, the 20-year-old has made valuable contributions this season, registering five goals and five assists across all competitions. In La Liga, he has three goals and two assists in just five starts (15 appearances in total). However, Fermin will have to wait for his next opportunity after receiving a red card in last weekend’s match against Sevilla, in which he also found the back of the net.

Reflecting on his season so far, Fermin admitted that things didn’t go as planned early on, but he is determined to make the most of his chances under Xavi Hernandez.

“It’s true that I’ve always had that ability to get into the box and finish well. The first part of the season things didn’t go so well for me but now I have more confidence, the coach is giving me more opportunities and I’m trying to help the team,” he told Sport.

Barcelona are entering the most critical stretch of the season, with crucial La Liga and Champions League fixtures ahead. Fermin remains optimistic about the team’s ability to rise to the challenge.

“The most beautiful and also the most difficult part of the season is coming. We are in a good dynamic, and we are working well. We are prepared for what is coming. It will be tough and there will be games that will cost us, but we are very united to achieve the objectives, which is to win titles.”

Fermin, who recently rejected a move away from Barcelona, also spoke about his memories of the club’s last Champions League triumph in 2015. The midfielder was just 12 years old at the time and watched the final from home, dreaming of one day playing for the club he loves.

“I was at home, in El Campillo. I was 12 years old, it was the year before I arrived (at the club), and I was watching the game with my parents and my brother. It was a very happy moment, in the end I’ve been a Barcelona fan since I was a child and it was an incredible night.”

Now, a decade later, Fermin is confident that Barcelona will return to Europe’s biggest stage and compete for the trophy once again.

“(This year) we will be in the Champions League final.”

With the squad growing in confidence and form, Barcelona fans will be hoping Fermin’s bold prediction turns into reality as the Blaugrana aim for European glory.