SETTABLOID

Football seems to be a sport of cycles, and FC Barcelona is a club all too familiar with them. However, just as much as those cycles can be seen resurfacing, there are also a lot of variables in the sport. For Barcelona, the variables tend to be a lot more consistent in their frequency over the last few years it seems.

Heading into this season, there was already a contractual agreement in place with head coach Xavi Hernandez that he would have another season to coach Barcelona after the 2023/2024 campaign. However, things did not go according to plan and the trajectory of his managerial future was changed in entirety.

Xavi himself, after a rather disheartening loss to Villarreal in January, claimed that his time with Barcelona will end after this ongoing campaign. However, ever since he made that claim, the team has begun to deliver much better and much more consistent results that have helped both domestically and on the grand European stages.

In fact, as highlighted by SPORT, Xavi’s Barcelona is closing in on their best run of form under him. The best streak, thus far, that the Catalans have had under Xavi took place between October of 2022 and February of 2023. That period saw the Blaugranes go undefeated for 18 games in total between that time.

Currently, Xavi’s Barcelona stand on 13 games unbeaten since his announcement about his departure. Ten of those games have ended in wins for La Blaugrana, while three of them have resulted in draws.

Several of these matches have also been significant victories for Barcelona, with wins over the likes of Napoli, PSG, and Atletico Madrid having been a part of them.

For now, there is no telling how long this ongoing streak for Xavi’s Barcelona remains intact. Their upcoming clash against PSG will hardly be a walk in the park, and the subsequent encounter against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu will be another massive test.

For Xavi’s Barcelona, the hurdles keep on piling up, but they could not have found their best version at a better time.

Ahead of their UEFA Champions League quarterfinal clash on Tuesday night, let’s take a look at the all-time series between FC Barcelona and PSG. Barcelona have emerged victorious five times to Paris Saint-Germain’s three. Barca and PSG have played to a stalemate on four previous occasions.

The first leg of this tie was a high-scoring thriller to be sure, and we’re expecting even more excitement the second time around.

FC Barcelona vs PSG FYIs

Kickoff: Tue. April 16, 3pm EST, Olympic Stadium, Barcelona, Spain

Competition: UCL Quarterfinal Leg 2/2

Aggregate: Barca leads 3-2

FC Barcelona Preview Material:     Starting XI Prediction

Result Probability:  PSG  32%    Draw  24%  FC Barcelona 44%

Of course, it will be hard to duplicate that kind of entertainment in the next leg, as the tie now shifts to Catalonia.

Xavi was able to rotate his side on the weekend, in the win over Cadiz, and now he’s expected to go back to his strongest team possible here, bringing back in all the big guns.

With a team that looks like the projected lineup below, they should be able to finish off this tie.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen; Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsi, Joao Cancelo; Pedri, Frenkie de Jong; Lamine Yamal, Ilkay Gundogan, Raphinha; Robert Lewandowski

There has been a clearly visible change in the form of FC Barcelona in the last few weeks, as the Catalans have been able to get highly positive results going into the business end of the season.

Several factors have been identified by various individuals on how the team has been able to recover its form, with Xavi himself pointing to his decision to leave the club as one of the most important reasons.

The deployment of Andreas Christensen in midfield has also been identified as another such reason resulting in Barcelona’s improved results.

Another factor that cannot be ignored in this regard is the changed form of the defender Jules Kounde. Over the last few weeks, the Frenchman has gotten back to his best at the right-back position, which has been integral in bringing defensive solidity back to Xavi’s team.

His performance against Kylian Mbappe clearly showcased Kounde’s return to his last season’s levels. There might have been several causes on how Kounde has been able to regain his form, but his work on his physicality has been one of the most prominent such causes.

A headline member of the defensive ranks at La Liga giants Barcelona reiterated his commitment to the cause in the early hours of Sunday morning.

As much came in the aftermath of Barca’s return to action.

Xavi’s troops are of course fresh off an important victory on Saturday night, which saw them keep alive the club’s feint title hopes courtesy of a hard-fought victory over Cádiz.

Rest will now be on the cards, ahead of swiftly turning attentions back towards matters on the continent, in the 2nd leg of the club’s Champions League quarter-final showdown with Paris Saint-Germain.

As alluded to above, though, one member of the Blaugrana’s ranks who was evidently in no mood for rest post-Cádiz was Jules Koundé.

As much was made clear by way of the Frenchman’s social media activity early on Sunday morning.

Upon arriving back in Catalunya from Andalusia at 4AM, Koundé got straight back to work in the gym at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper.

This came despite Xavi’s squad having been pencilled in for a recovery training session at 12.30 this afternoon.

The former Sevilla man, for his part, played the final half hour of his side’s victory at the Estadio Nuevo Mirandilla, expected to return to starting duties against PSG on Tuesday amid a fine stretch of recent form.

After outlasting Cadiz, normally a tricky opponent for the top teams in LaLiga, with a 1-0 win, Barcelona are set to defend the Spotify Camp Nou in the second leg of the Champions League quarterfinals vs. PSG.

Barcelona head into the second battle with the Ligue 1 champions as the clear favorites. They were already favored going into the first leg, but with a 3-2 lead on aggregate heading into the home fixture, the odds are in Xavi’s favor.

Here are five bold predictions for how this battle between Barcelona and PSG could shake out.

Barcelona will blow out PSG 3-0

PSG simply don’t stand a chance against Barcelona. When the Blaugrana are at their best defensively, they are capable of shutting any attack down. Last season, they were historically great defensively with just 20 goals allowed in LaLiga.

Although Barcelona have already surrendered more goals (34) this season, they have the same key players as they did last year in Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Jules Kounde, Andreas Christensen, Alejandro Balde, and Ronald Araujo. If anything, they are even stronger on paper with Pau Cubarsi breaking out.

Barcelona still need one more impact player offensively, but with Raphinha rolling and Robert Lewandowski rebounding alongside breakout star Lamine Yamal, there should be enough firepower to challenge a rather poor PSG defense (at least, at the Champions League level). Judging by Joao Felix’s game-winning bicycle kick over the weekend, there’s more magic in Barcelona, too.

Pau Cubarsi will be Man of the Match

Pau Cubarsi had another strong individual performance in Barcelona’s 1-0 win over Cadiz on Saturday night. While Cadiz isn’t the most challenging opponent from an attacking perspective, Cubarsi still deserved the plaudits he received for reading the game like a 10-year veteran and recording nine clearances in a clean performance.

The victory over Cadiz went to FC Barcelona for being careful with the smallest and finest of details. Despite fielding an XI with many rotations, Xavi’s side overcame their opponents at the Nuevo Mirandilla. However, if there is one name to be singled out for keeping Cadiz at bay, it was the young sentinel of Barcelona.

world of football through his feats at Barcelona. Already having marshaled some of European football’s finest forwards, the young Spaniard continues to exude confidence and display extraordinary levels of footballing ability and understanding of the game.

That is why, as per Gabriel Sans of Mundo Deportivo, his presence is already a guarantee against Paris Saint-Germain. His potential remains immeasurable, yet he has already become a first-team mainstay for FC Barcelona. Against PSG, his presence is vital and crucial, just as much as any of Xavi’s most important players.

Even against Cadiz, his numbers do a decent job at capturing what he brings to the team. In terms of defensive output, he was the player on the entire field with the most number of ball recoveries. The young Barcelona academy product ended up making 11 recoveries in total during the match.

On the other end of things, he was creatively just as effective as always. While he was not given the liberty to deliver his typical advanced passes too often in this game, he was still the player on the pitch with the most number of completed passes. He completed a total of 68 passes, and was followed by Sergi Roberto’s 66, despite the latter being a midfielder.

Already the most commonly revalued player in La Liga, his transfer value has seen unprecedented levels of growing heights. A justified increase, given his contributions and performances at the highest level of European football.

Now among the highest-valued young defenders in Europe, Cubarsi’s presence against PSG in front of the Montjuic crowd is something that Barcelona joyously counts on.

FC Barcelona have often found themselves in complicated situations in recent times due to a lack of depth. Whether that lack of depth comes from financial issues or simply a lack of quality, it has harmed the club significantly. Fortunately for Barcelona, the team seems much more balanced as it currently stands.

However, the lineup that Xavi ultimately fielded gives some clues as to what the next encounter could look like for them.

As highlighted by SPORT, the lineup that took on Cadiz gives some clear indications about the potential Barcelona team that will face Paris Saint-Germain. Arguably their most important encounter of the season, the PSG clash at the Montjuic Stadium will define what Barça’s hopes for this season look like.

Within the back line, the presence of Pau Cubarsi will be definite as well. Despite playing against Cadiz as well, Xavi stated that he accumulated less fatigue than some of his other teammates so his presence is a given. Alongside him, the likes of Ronald Araujo, Jules Kounde, and Joao Cancelo should be the other guarantees.

FC Barcelona kept their La Liga title hopes alive as they beat Cadiz in their last league match on Saturday. With this win, the difference between Real Madrid and Barcelona still remains eight points, as the Merengues were also able to win their match against Mallorca.

The Portuguese Joao Felix was the difference maker, as he scored the only goal of the match. This strike once again showed that the on-loan winger does not need too many minutes to shine, and can be a differential player when on song.

As SPORT has reported, Felix talked to the media after the match, and explained how he scored the goal, while also commenting on how he feels about the stadium in particular:

“I saw the ball up there, I tried it, and the goal came out… Two years ago I did a bicycle kick here, this field brings me luck.”

Felix also commented on how he wants to help the team whenever he can, and is working to be a starter for Xavi:

“We all work to be starters and play as much as possible. I try to do my best to help the team, when I’m on the field I try to show what I can do. We all work to be starters, I want to help, I know I can contribute good things.”

Barcelona were the clear favorites going into this match, but Cadiz were able to put up a strong fight against the Catalans. Thus, Felix was thankful for the three points obtained in this match:

“It was a great match on a field that is not easy at all. We are happy for the three points. We suffered a lot, we should have controlled the game more, but Cádiz is fighting for their life and the end of the season is like that.”

We are happy after winning on a tough field. We wanted to secure the victory and keep a clean sheet. It was tough at the end, but we managed to pull through.”

Overall, the Portuguese international was quite happy with his performance, and was hopeful he can maintain his levels for the coming months as well:

“I’m happy to be back, it’s been a long time. It’s an opportunity to get some minutes and show that I’m feeling good. Let’s see if I can get some consistency and finish the season well.”

The latest goal celebration on the part of Barcelona star João Félix has piqued attentions across the club’s fanbase this evening.

As much comes after the Portuguese made a beeline for a member of the Barca bench.

Xavi’s troops, of course, are currently locked in action.

Sandwiched between the two legs of the club’s Champions League quarter-final tie with Paris Saint-Germain, the Blaugrana have made the trip to the Estadio Nuevo Mirandilla, for a La Liga meeting with Cádiz.

The evening’s visitors headed into proceedings aware that nothing but a victory would suffice, after table-topping Real Madrid extended their advantage courtesy of a hard-fought downing of Mallorca earlier in the day.

And, as things stand, a three-point haul of their own is precisely what Barcelona are headed towards.

This comes owing to a solitary goal, netted in stunning fashion by the aforementioned João Félix.

After the ball popped up in the air from an inswinging corner from the right, Félix showed off his acrobatic side, to direct a brilliant bicycle kick into the bottom corner.

The 24-year-old was in turn mobbed by his teammates, abuzz with his moment of magic.

Félix himself, though, soon turned his attentions towards the Barca bench, where he called upon an attacking partner-in-crime to join his celebrations.

A heavily-rotated Barcelona earned a 1-0 win at La Liga strugglers Cadiz on Saturday night.

Joao Felix’s showstopping overhead kick towards the end of the first half proved to be the difference between the two sides.

Barca have closed the gap on La Liga leaders Real Madrid back to eight points ahead of their meeting in El Clasico next weekend, while Cadiz remain three points adrift from safety in 18th.

How the game unfolded

Barcelona carved out the game’s first half-chance when a deep cross from Ferran Torres met Felix ghosting in at the far post, but he sliced his volley off his shin and the ball sailed harmlessly behind for a Cadiz goal kick.

The hosts went close to a surprise lead when Javier Hernandez ghosted forward from left-back and fired at the near post, with his powerful shot pushed to safety by Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

A cross from Hector Fort looked to be sailing right into the top corner, but goalkeeper Jeremias Ledesma came up with a quick reaction save to tip the ball over the crossbar.

Just before half-time, Barcelona went in front in spectacular fashion. Marcos Alonso’s corner was flicked on by Cadiz’s Alex Fernandez and into the path of Felix, who produced a stunning overhead kick to put Barca ahead.

Fermin Lopez thought he had doubled the lead soon after. He looked to have a simple tap-in at the end of a clever move which saw him teed up by a Sergi Roberto header, but his shot was cleared off the line by Victor Chust.

On the other side of the break, Cadiz were denied an equaliser by an offside flag. Juanmi was on hand to slot home a low through ball from Maxi Gomez, but he was several yards ahead of the last Barcelona defender and the goal was quickly chalked off.

Minutes later, Chust headed narrowly wide from a deep cross as Cadiz ramped up the pressure on their visitors.

Felix conjured up more magic with a lovely dribble inside from the left flank, teeing up Torres with a clever pass, but the winger’s shot was blocked by a sea of yellow Cadiz shirts.

With Barca’s next attack, Torres turned provider again for Felix with a curling cross, with the Portugal forward diverting his half-volley wide.

Cadiz wanted a penalty when Pau Cubarsi’s slide tackle hauled down Isaac Carcelen, but the offside flag went up. Replays suggested Carcelen was actually onside, though Cubarsi’s challenge took the ball first anyway.

Felix rattled the post with an exquisite strike after taking possession over from Fermin but again the offside flag curtailed the move from further advancing.

Ter Stegen had to be at his best to palm away a thumping effort from substitute Diadie Samassekou with effectively his first touch of the evening.

Barcelona dug in deep to close out the victory and maintain their forward momentum heading into the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final with PSG in midweek.

Barcelona player ratings (4-3-3)

GK: Marc-Andre ter Stegen – 7/10 – Kept on his toes by a few outrageous strikes from Cadiz’s contingent. Really had to earn that clean sheet.

RB: Hector Fort – 6/10 – Showed his inexperience at points when Cadiz were in possession but was a good performer for the most part.

CB: Pau Cubarsi – 8/10 – Wow. It’s incredible that Barcelona are so consistently able to find these teenage talents. A senior performance from the rookie, stepping up when his side needed him. Walked a fine line between brilliant and clumsy with his lunging tackle on Carcelen.

CB: Andreas Christensen – 6/10 – Must have been nice for the Dane to start at centre-back having either played in midfield or been used as a substitute in recent weeks. Wasn’t quite as impressive as 17-year-old Cubarsi.

LB: Marcos Alonso – 6/10 – Troubled Cadiz with his set pieces, ultimately leading to Felix’s stunning goal, but didn’t offer much in open play. A lot of the hosts’ attacks came down his side.

CM: Sergi Roberto – 7/10 – Relished the added responsibility in this less familiar midfield. So nearly came up with a clever assist for Fermin in the first half.

CM: Oriol Romeu – 6/10 – Was at risk of being overrun by a spirited Cadiz midfield but was hardly drowning in such a contest.

CM: Fermin Lopez – 6/10 – Flittered between the lines providing flair and ingenuity but will have been disappointed not to have had a more tangible impact against one of La Liga’s lesser teams.

RW: Ferran Torres – 6/10 – Got involved plenty but the quality of his final ball – be that a shot, pass or cross – was lacking considering how often Barcelona got into good positions.

CF: Vitor Roque – 4/10 – Provided absolutely nothing in the first half and only got involved in the second before being hooked when trying to chase down loose balls. Still a long way off the standard required to start for Barcelona, but that’s understandable.

LW: Joao Felix – 8/10 – The kind of game that makes you think it should be a no-brainer for Barcelona to try and keep Felix. The spark of creativity, the leader of their attack, demanding the ball on any given occasion.

Substitutes

SUB: Pedri (62′ for Fort) – 6/10

SUB: Lamine Yamal (62′ for Roque) – 6/10

SUB: Jules Kounde (62′ for Christensen) – 6/10

SUB: Raphinha (80′ for Fermin) – 6/10

SUB: Marc Casado (85′ for Felix) – N/A

Subs not used: Inaki Pena (GK), Ander Astralaga (GK), Ronald Araujo, Mikayil Faye, Frenkie de Jong, Ilkay Gundogan, Marc Cuiu

Manager

Xavi – 7/10 – Barcelona were made to work for their victory, but they put in quite the shift considering the amount of changes made ahead of their Champions League clash with PSG.