Huge clash in Paris on Wednesday as two of the biggest clubs in Europe meet in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie. Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona have already met in this season's Champions League as they were together in Group F, each side won the home game (3-2 at Parc des Princes and 3-1 at Camp Nou). Two seasons ago the two sides met in the last 16 and Barcelona pulled through on away goals after a 3-3 aggregate draw.
PSG have proven their worth in the previous round when they defeated Premier League leaders and most likely future champions Chelsea. The first leg in France ended 1-1 but Laurent Blanc's men earned the qualification on away goals in the second leg. They have clinched their first trophy of the season last weekend when they defeated Bastia 4-0 to lift the League Cup. They are also leading the Ligue 1 table, albeit by just one point. Their last two Champions League campaigns ended at the quarter-finals stage. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Marco Verratti and Serge Aurier are all suspended for the game.
Barcelona have finished top of Group F before knocking out Manchester City in the last 16 after wins both home and away. They are currently leading the Primera Liga table but just by two points after being held to a 2-2 draw at Sevilla last weekend. They will be looking to score in Paris and they certainly have a few players capable of doing that: Lionel Messi has bagged no less than 46 goals this season, Neymar has scored 29 and Luis Suarez 16. Barcelona will be without Dani Alves, suspended.
Probable line-ups:
PSG: Sirigu - Maxwell, Thiago Silva, Marquinhos, Van der Wiel - Matuidi, Pastore, Cabaye, Rabiot - Lavezzi, Cavani
Barcelona: Bravo - Mathieu, Pique, Mascherano, Alba - Busquets, Iniesta, Rakitic - Neymar, Messi, Suarez
My prediction: 2-2 draw.
Here are the odds for the match at Bet365:
PSG win - 4.75 Draw - 3.90 Barcelona win - 1.80
galata86 8 years ago
How season is closer to the end Barcelona plays better and better. They are firs in Spanish league and here after this win they are safe and second match is only formal because we all know that Barca will go in the next round. They played better, controlled the ball and had better chances and they deserved this win.
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mdacic 8 years ago
I predicted correct result of this match but I was wrong about who will score goals, I said Messi but Suarez and Neymar were scorers. PSG was poor in attack without Zlatan Ibrahimovic and they couldn't create any chance, they scored with big help of Barcelonas defender Mathieu but I think that goal doesn't mean anything...
I predicted correct result of this match but I was wrong about who will score goals, I said Messi but Suarez and Neymar were scorers. PSG was poor in attack without Zlatan Ibrahimovic and they couldn't create any chance, they scored with big help of Barcelonas defender Mathieu but I think that goal doesn't mean anything and Barca will go in semi finals of Champions League.
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mdacic 8 years ago
PSG is great team but for me Barcelona is big favorite here. They have more experience in champions league and that is very important. PSG will try to stop Messi but that is not easy task for their defenders. PSG is without Zlatan Ibrahimovic tonight and without him they will have a lot of troubles in attack. So my prediction...
PSG is great team but for me Barcelona is big favorite here. They have more experience in champions league and that is very important. PSG will try to stop Messi but that is not easy task for their defenders. PSG is without Zlatan Ibrahimovic tonight and without him they will have a lot of troubles in attack. So my prediction is 1-3 for Barcelona and Messi to score.
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sharpe 8 years ago
The draw in the Champions League is a funny thing. PSG - Barcelona and PSG - Chelsea are clashes that we have seen almost every season In the Champions League. Looks like certain teams play each other every time and honestly it's a little bit boring for me. But still I hope PSG will be able to make this games tough for...
The draw in the Champions League is a funny thing. PSG - Barcelona and PSG - Chelsea are clashes that we have seen almost every season In the Champions League. Looks like certain teams play each other every time and honestly it's a little bit boring for me. But still I hope PSG will be able to make this games tough for Barcelona.
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seculla 8 years ago
This two teams played against each other this season in the group stage in UEFA Champions League. Both matches were very interesting and there were many goals, so I don't see why this two matches between this two teams should be different. Ibrahimovic is suspended for tomorrow's match and that is bad thing for PSG for sure,...
This two teams played against each other this season in the group stage in UEFA Champions League. Both matches were very interesting and there were many goals, so I don't see why this two matches between this two teams should be different. Ibrahimovic is suspended for tomorrow's match and that is bad thing for PSG for sure, but anyway I'm pretty sure that they will be tough to beat at "Parc des Princes".
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Shumar4life 8 years ago
Clash of the clans, this match will bring us one quality game. Barcelona is in better form right now, but we can't underestimate PSG quality, and their tactical play especially in Paris. Barcelona will try to score at least one goal on this match, and PSG to take a lead ahead match in Barcelona and it will be interestin...
Clash of the clans, this match will bring us one quality game. Barcelona is in better form right now, but we can't underestimate PSG quality, and their tactical play especially in Paris. Barcelona will try to score at least one goal on this match, and PSG to take a lead ahead match in Barcelona and it will be interestin to see which one team will have a success
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