Barcelona is vying for a semi-final berth in the Champions League, a feat they haven't achieved since the 2018-19 season, as they prepare to clash with Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday night. Holding a slender lead after a 3-2 victory in the first leg in Paris, Barcelona is eager to cement their advantage.
Xavi's squad has been in stellar form following his announcement of departure as head coach, boasting an unbeaten streak of 13 games, with 10 wins across various competitions. Despite efforts to persuade Xavi to stay, his decision remains firm, shifting the focus to Barcelona's pursuit of two coveted trophies.
The spotlight falls on Raphinha, who shone in the initial encounter with two goals, and Andreas Christensen, whose late strike sealed the crucial win. However, Barcelona's recent Champions League campaigns have been marred by setbacks, failing to progress beyond the quarter-finals since 2018-19 and enduring early exits in the group stages in the last two seasons.
While Barcelona historically holds an edge over PSG with six wins to PSG's four, a 4-1 defeat in the last-16 first leg in February 2021 serves as a stark reminder. Ahead of the showdown, Barcelona secured a 1-0 victory against Cadiz in La Liga, extending their winning streak to four league matches, albeit trailing Real Madrid by eight points before the impending El Clasico clash. Gavi and Alejandro Balde remain sidelined due to long-term injuries, with their return not expected until the next season. However, there are no fresh fitness concerns, with Joao Cancelo, Inigo Martinez, and Robert Lewandowski returning from suspension.
Nonetheless, Barcelona will be without Christensen and Sergi Roberto due to suspension, having accrued milestone yellow cards in the first leg in Paris. The return of Pedri from a recent thigh issue boosts the midfield, alongside promising talents Pau Cubarsi and Lamine Yamal.
For PSG, Presnel Kimpembe, Layvin Kurzawa, and Sergio Rico are sidelined, while Nordi Mukiele's availability hinges on a head injury assessment. Achraf Hakimi's return from suspension bolsters the defense, with Goncalo Ramos and Warren Zaire-Emery potentially making the starting lineup.
Ousmane Dembele faces his former club, with Kylian Mbappe seeking to capitalize on his previous exploits against Barcelona. Tactical adjustments might see Marco Asensio stepping aside for Ramos, while Lee Kang-in and Nuno Mendes could feature from the bench.
Barcelona vs. Paris Saint-Germain
Potential starting lineups:
Barcelona:
Ter Stegen; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Cancelo; Pedri, Gundogan, F de Jong; Yamal, Lewandowski, Raphinha
Paris Saint-Germain:
Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Beraldo, Hernandez; Zaire-Emery, Ruiz, Vitinha; Dembele, Ramos, Mbappe
Prediction: Barcelona 3-1 Paris Saint-Germain (Barcelona win 6-3 on aggregate).
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