► 動詞立ちはだかる  [(5)たちはだかる]    
meaning:  block  rank: 3☆ 
初優勝を
目指す
彼等の
前に
前年の
王者が立ちはだかった ⇨ The last year’s champion stood in the path of the team that is trying to win for the first time  
(☛ Something imposing and menacing to block others from advancing. Usually used figuratively)