Champions League Quarterfinal: FC Barcelona  – PSG

A spectactular result in the first game means that Barcelona are on pole position to reach the semi final for the first time in 5 years. However, PSG with Mbappe and Dembele up front can be a nightmare on the counter attack that could hurt Barcelona a lot. There is enough history between these 2 sides in recent Champions League editions to suggest that we are going to see a cracking  game tonight. 

Barcelona Team News

Both Sergi Roberto and Andreas Christensen are suspended for tonight´s clash. However, the return of Pedri and Frenkie de Jong in last week´s clash was a big boost for Xavi his side. It is likely that a very similar or completely same side that featured in the game last week will also feature in tonight´s clash. Meaning that young starlet Cubarsi at the back will keep his place and feature at centre back. The La Masia product has seen a metheoric rise on the big stage and has been very impressive with his level of performance since starting to play. 

PSG Team News

PSG´s injury list is shrinking steadily, with only 3 players still too injured to play in tonight´s game. Second goalkeeper Sergio Rico for sure will miss the game while also French defenders Kimpembe and Kurzawa are not available for Luis Enrique. The Spanish coach will have his hopes set on Mbappe and Dembele to shine tonight to help him beat his old side- Whether that will bring the French side a place in the semi final remains to be seen. 

Barcelona Form

After Xavi his announcement to leave at the end of the season the Blaugrana have seen a remarkable improvement in their form. They currently are on a 6 game winning streak and have won 8 out of their last 10 games. It has been 13 games without a defeat since Villarreal beat them at the olympic stadium back at the end of January. Over the weekend Cadiz was beaten 1-0 away from home, meaning that Barcelona have now kept a clean sheet in each of their last 5 league games. 

PSG Form

Analysing PSG¨s form almost feels as obsolete, as the French giants are so far ahead of the other teams in the French League. The league title is already 99% sure to go to Paris again and there is no need for them to go all out every match. This can be seen in the results as well with a sluggish draw at home against Clermont last week for example showcasing the lack of urgency in the domestic league. The Ligue 1 decision makers have granted PSG a weekend off in between the quarter final matches to optimally rest and prepare for the return game, who knows how much it could help. 

What do the stats say?

• Barcelona have won 6 games in a row
• Barcelona have won 3, drawn 1 and lost 1 game at home against PSG
• Last edition PSG trashed Barcelona 4-1. 

Our verdict

Barcelona definitely are in pole position after last week´s result and performance as well. However, this tie has seen crazier things happen, with PSG winning 1-4 in Camp Nou in 2020-2021 while Barcelona beat the Parisians 6-1 in 2017 to complete the legendary remontada. The Barcelona back then? Luis Enrique!