The buildup to the Champions League round of 16 had become a Premier League procession. England’s immensely wealthy top flight boasted an unprecedented six teams at this stage of the competition after dominating the league phase.
“The Premier League is a great league,” Barcelona boss Hansi Flick gushed, echoing a sentiment preached by many this season. “For me it is the best league in the world. They have strong teams and a lot of money to make the right decisions.”
