The treble is calling, closer than ever

At the beginning of the season, not many would have bet that Barcelona could be realistically targeting a treble by February. Certainly not after a Super Cup in which they were swept aside by an overwhelming Real Madrid. 

Much has changed since then. The league is practically in the bag with a nine point lead over Atletico, and with their place in the Copa del Rey final booked they can now start looking at a possible treble. Difficult, yes; impossible, no.

Valverde can allow himself to rotate players in the league, especially after the arrival of Countinho, to keep all of his players fresh for the the other competitions. The Champions League presents the biggest obstacle, but with a tie coming up against a Chelsea in crisis, they can be relatively confident of progression to the quarter finals. 

The 'Cules' have shown that they are one of Europe's form teams, although Man City, Bayern Munich, PSG and Real Madrid will give it up without a fight. The bookmakers now make Barcelona joint favourites with Bayern and PSG to win another Champions League title, only slightly ahead of an old friend: Pep Guardiola. 

For now, times are good in the City of Counts after making history and qualifying for their fifth consecutive cup final. The chance of a treble has presented itself, and Valverde has made Barcelona shine.