JAKARTA - Barcelona will host Paris Saint-Germain in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals Tuesday 16 April or Wednesday morning WIB. Armed with a narrow 3-2 advantage over the first leg, El Barca looks confident. Barcelona has a better head-to-head record against PSG, but the party still has the potential to be a fierce match.
Barcelona have shown brilliant performance since Xavi Hernandez announced that he will step down as head coach this summer, unbeaten in the last 13 games in all competitions, even winning 10 of them. While there is still hope that Xavi can be maintained, his current focus is on the remainder of the season, where Barcelona are still struggling to win two titles.
Raphinha starred in the first leg in Paris scoring two goals, while Andreas Christensen match-winning goal in the 77th minute. Barcelona has had a less impressive record in Champions League competitions in recent years, but they look forward to ending their wait to go further.
Meanwhile, PSG has a strong determination to achieve success in the Champions League, especially after being eliminated in the last 16 of the last two seasons. Despite winning Ligue 1, PSG is aiming for the Champions League title as a farewell gift for Kylian Mbappe who is expected to leave for Real Madrid.
Both teams will enter this match with a good performance, with Barcelona winning in their last four matches in La Liga and PSG leading Ligue 1 standings. However, Barcelona had to play without Christensen and Sergi Roberto who were accumulated, while PSG still doubted the availability of President Kimpembe, Layvin Kurzawa, and Sergio Rico.
Andreas Christensen and Sergi Roberto's absence has made Barcelona a little worried, especially regarding their midfield strength.
As a result, manager Xavi Hernandez must decide what he plans to do with his midfield. Xavi is still considering whether to start with Pedri or Ferm Maritime L19ez against PSG. But Xavi is eager to have Pedri on the pitch for the last minute of the game against PSG.
Both teams will deploy their best strength, where Pedri and Achraf Hakimi are expected to return to their respective teams' starting lineup. Mbappe is also on the front and the tight competition in the middle of the field of the two teams is predicted to be spectacular.
It is hoped that Barcelona will feature a strong formation with Ter Stegen under the bar, supported by Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, and Cancelo behind. In midfield, Pedri, Gundogan, and F de Jong are expected to provide creativity and stability. While in attack, Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Yamal will spearhead Barcelona's attacks.
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Meanwhile, PSG is expected to feature Donnarumma between goalposts, with Hakimi, Marquinhos, Beraldo, and Hernandez in the back. In midfield, Zaire-Emery, Ruiz, and Vitinha are expected to provide support to the attack line led by Dembele, Ramos, and Mbappe.
With both teams of outstanding quality, this match is predicted to be a fierce battle between the two European giants, with a place in the semifinals of the Champions League at stake.
One of the key elements that makes Barcelona this time considered a favorite is the 'cage' factor, where the Catalan team managed to overcome the harsh atmosphere in Paris, and is now looking forward to further support from their own supporters on Tuesday night.
Player Composition Forecast
Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Cancelo; Pedri, Gundogan, F de Jong; Yamal, Lewandowski, Raphinha
Paris Saint-Germain: Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Beraldo, Hernandez; Zare-Emery, Ruiz, Vitinha; Dembele, Ramos, Mbappe
Previous Meetings
10 Apr 2024: PSG 2-3 Barcelona (FOUR Champions League Finals)
10 Mar 2021: PSG 1-1 Barcelona (Babak 16 Besar League Champions)
16 Feb 2021: Barcelona 1-4 PSG (Babak 16 Besar Liga Champions)
08 Mar 2017: Barcelona 6-1 PSG (Babak 16 Besar League Champions)
14 February 2017: PSG 4-0 Barcelona (Babak 16 Besar League Champions)
21 Apr 2015: Barcelona 2-0 PSG (FOUR-Final Champions League)
15 Apr 2015: PSG 1-3 Barcelona (FOUR Champions League Finals)
10 December 2014: Barcelona 3-1 PSG (Fase Champions League Group)
30 Sep 2014: PSG 3-2 Barcelona (Fase Champions League Group)
10 Apr 2013: Barcelona 1-1 PSG (FOUR Champions League Finals)
02 Apr 2013: PSG 2-2 Barcelona (FOUR Champions League Finals)
May 14: 1997: Barcelona 1-0 PSG (Final Cup Winners)
15 Mar 1995: PSG 2-1 Barcelona (FOUR Champions League Finals)
01 Mar 1995: Barcelona 1-1 PSG (FOUR-Final Champions League)
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