Barcelona fans have every reason to feel confident this season, and the latest praise comes from an unexpected source — former Real Madrid and Germany star Sami Khedira.

In a recent interview with Goal, Khedira named his two favourites to win this season’s UEFA Champions League, and notably, his former club Real Madrid didn’t make the cut.

Instead, Khedira singled out Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain as the standout teams in the competition so far.

“Barcelona and PSG are outshining everyone else right now,” Khedira told Goal. “Hansi Flick has complete control of the team: he’s given them confidence and a clear playing vision.”

Under Flick’s guidance, the Blaugrana are playing with purpose, fluidity, and a sense of unity that has been missing in recent seasons.

The results speak for themselves. Barcelona demolished Borussia Dortmund 4-0 in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals, sending a clear message to the rest of Europe. The performance was a masterclass in pressing, passing, and finishing — hallmarks of a Flick-coached side.

Meanwhile, PSG also impressed with a 3-1 win over Aston Villa, showcasing their own title credentials. But for Barcelona fans, it’s the resurgence of their own team that matters most.

Khedira’s omission of Real Madrid — a team he won the Champions League with in 2014 — makes his endorsement of Barcelona even more striking. It’s not just fans who are noticing Barcelona’s rise under Flick; even rival legends are taking note.

With the second leg against Dortmund looming and a place in the semi-finals within touching distance, Barça supporters will be hoping Khedira’s prediction comes true.

After years of European heartache, could this finally be the season that Barcelona lift the Champions League trophy once again?