Barca can play badly and still win - and that's what separates them from the rest

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Barca can play badly and still win - and that's what separates them from the rest - The Blaugrana have learned to triumph when they are below their best since the arrival of Luis Enrique and that makes them favourites to retain their Champions League crown in May.

Pep Guardiola always said it. During his time at Camp Nou, the Catalan coach claimed that to win titles, Barcelona historically had to play well. And it was true.

But not these days: Luis Enrique has made this team able to win games even when they are below their best - and they did it against Arsenal on Wednesday.

Barca surprised many in the first leg with a performance more about efficiency than excellence. Luis Enrique's side are almost always better in the second half of games and when Arsenal tired at the Emirates, the Catalans turned the screw as Lionel Messi netted twice late in the match.

In the intense rain on Tuesday, Arsenal started with more intent. However, that was understandable, because Barca were in a comfortable position at 2-0 up and once Neymar had opened the scoring, they were even more relaxed.

The Brazilian's goal was an example of how Barca's game has evolved since the arrival of Luis Enrique. Instead of the well-known passing and possession philosophy of Guardiola's great side, this team boasts more resources. The Asturian coach has improved the transitions, with many of Barca's attacks these days coming on the counter. And the Catalans needed only six touches to set the Brazilian away to put them in front after 18 minutes.

Relaxation seemed to set in after that. Barca were 3-0 up in the tie and there appeared little danger. And when Arsenal hit back after the break through Mohamed Elneny, there were a few shaky moments as the Gunners sensed an opportunity to score a second.

Ultimately, however, Barca woke up and their quality in attack won through. A stunning strike from Luis Suarez restored their advantage and a lovely chip by Lionel Messi made it 3-1 right at the end. With their three fantastic forwards, anything is possible for this team.

"In our sport you must admire art," Arsene Wenger said after the match. "And they have two or three players who transform normal life into art."

For his part, Luis Enrique later responded: "We are delighted that Messi, Suarez and Neymar are our forwards."

Of course he is. While the Asturian coach has undoubtedly played an important part in improving an already outstanding side, the form of Messi, Neymar and Suarez is a big bonus for Barcelona.

Suarez was identified by Luis Enrique as the striker who could take Barca to the next level, while Neymar's game has come on immensely since the arrival of the current coach and Messi is playing the finest football of his career. Luis Enrique's tactics and his fitness programme have had much to do with all that.

So whereas Barca under Guardiola were admired for their majestic midfield, this team is as much or perhaps more about the three forwards: MSN. Playing well is no longer as important as it once was and Luis Enrique is well aware that those three can put any side to the sword.

No other side in the last eight is able to play poorly and prevail convincingly quite like Barcelona. Atletico rely on their impressive defence, Real Madrid have struggled against top teams this term, Manchester City are extremely inconsistent and Paris Saint-Germain yet to break firmly into Europe's elite.

On current form, Bayern Munich are the only side at a level that would worry Barca, but Guardiola's side conceded two in each game against Juventus and were on the verge of elimination until a late leveller from Thomas Muller that allowed them to turn their tie around in extra-time on Wednesday.

So does Luis Enrique want to avoid his friend Pep and Bayern in the last eight?

"The only team I wouldn't want to face is Barca," he quipped. And he had a point. All of the rest are beatable for this team - whether they play well or not.