A few months ago, the average Barcelona fan was celebrating the team’s progression to the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League.
Starved of elite action for two years when the team collapsed in the group stages, the Catalans’ mere presence in the Round of 16 brought joy to the Culers.
Not only are Xavi’s men now through to the final eight but are also on the cusp of doing one better. Having secured a 3-2 win on Paris over PSG in the first leg of the quarterfinals last week, they are just one draw away from booking a place in the semifinals.
On Tuesday night, they take to the field for the all-important 90 minutes against Luis Enrique’s men. 90 minutes that can make or break their run in the UCL and can earn them a date with either Atletico Madrid or Borussia Dortmund in the semifinal.
Barça Universal brings you three talking points ahead of Barcelona vs PSG.
A new PSG
Travelling to Paris and taking down Luis Enrique’s PSG in their backyard has undoubtedly been the peak of Barcelona’s season to this point. However, all of their efforts will be in vain if they do not capitalise on the advantage tomorrow.
The opponent they face at Montjuic is indeed the same as the one they took down a week ago, yet, will be more frightening for a number of reasons.
The first factor will be the return of Achraf Hakimi, who missed the first leg of the quarterfinal through suspension. The PSG right-back is one of their most serious threats in the final third and can generate devastating counterattacks with his pace.
Considering that Barcelona’s left-back position is relatively compromised defensively with Joao Cancelo pushing high up the flank, it is essential that Xavi places prophylaxis in place before PSG exploits the weakness.
Moreover, word has it that Luis Enrique is planning to start both Bradley Barcola and Warren Zaire-Emery at Montjuic, which could hint at PSG planning to attack on the counter.
Barcelona’s defence will thus be up against a stiff…
Source link : https://barcauniversal.com/three-talking-points-ahead-of-barcelona-vs-psg/
Author : Adithya Eshwarla
Publish date : 2024-04-15 19:00:00
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