Pedri, Cubarsi to start: Barcelona predicted line-up vs PSG

FC Barcelona are set to take on PSG in one of their most hotly anticipated clashes of the season. La Blaugrana are not exactly favorites for the encounter, despite having a one-goal advantage in the second leg. However, with two evenly matched teams set to face off, Barcelona will look to give their all.

Having rested several key players in the game against Cadiz, Xavi has already potentially hinted at his starting eleven for this encounter. Several big names will likely return to the field as starters, and Barcelona will be expected to be at their best if they hope to advance against their Parisian opponents.

Here is how Barcelona could line up against PSG.

Expected Line-up:

Goalkeeper: Marc-Andre Ter Stegen

At the moment, Marc-Andre Ter Stegen is enjoying some of his best football all season. The German international is consistently keeping clean sheets, and while that is a tall ask against a side like PSG, Barcelona will be hoping their number one between the sticks can do something similar against the Parisians.

Left-back: Joao Cancelo

Now fully rested, Joao Cancelo should be back in the team for Barcelona against PSG. The skillful Portuguese star can give Barça’s French rivals a lot of problems to deal with as long as his end product is more calculated than it was in the first leg.

Centre-back: Pau Cubarsi

The young 17-year-old continues to amaze with his talent and determination. Having kept a clean sheet as the standout defender in the last encounter against Cadiz as well, Barcelona is enjoying the eruption of Cubarsi within Catalonia. They will be hoping for more of the same against PSG as well.

Centre-back: Ronald Araujo

A man for big occasions, Ronald Araujo has tussled with some of Europe’s finest already. Having come up huge for Barcelona against many of those rivals, he did well to keep PSG at bay during the first leg as well. Now, when it matters most, Araujo has the opportunity to help his team out greatly.

Right-back: Jules Kounde

The Frenchman marshaled Kylian Mbappe expertly well in the first leg. A huge achievement for any defender, and even more so for a centre-back who is currently playing as a fullback. However, the tie is not over yet, and more of his defensive abilities will be needed against PSG once more.

CDM: Frenkie De Jong

The Dutch maestro of Barcelona could take on the pivot role in this game given that Andreas Christensen is suspended for the encounter. However, Barcelona will need him to put in a massive shift so that he can offer both defensive stability as well as his creativity while Barça are on the attack.

CM: Ilkay Gundogan

A former winner of the Champions League and a true veteran of the competition, Ilkay Gundogan will be a great asset for Barcelona in this game. His vision, timing, experience, and other factors should give Barcelona a great mind in a midfield battle that they simply can not afford to lose.

CM: Pedri

The choice between Fermin Lopez or Pedri will be a crucial one for Xavi, and one that he can not make an error in. However, given the likely intensity and quality of this encounter, Barcelona could do well to use Pedri’s ingenuity and creative magic to overcome a PSG side that will try to close down as much space as possible.

Left-winger: Raphinha

Raphinha’s heroics in the first leg were instrumental in helping Barcelona overcome PSG. His two goals were the major difference maker in that tie, and Xavi will be hoping that his Brazilian winger can contribute more of the same in the all-important second leg.

Centre-forward: Robert Lewandowski

The Polish ace’s performance in the first leg helped Barcelona in ways besides just scoring goals. While he will be hoping to get on the scoresheet in the second leg, his hold-up play and intelligence with the ball are equally important assets for Barcelona.

Right-winger: Lamine Yamal

While Lamine Yamal did not have the most prolific of first legs by his own standards, he was influential nonetheless. The first goal came through his ingenuity, and this time around in the second leg he will be hoping to have a much more direct influence in the game.

Pedri talks Xavi, Gundogan, Gavi, Christensen, Mbappe, Cubarsi ahead of Barcelona vs PSG

 

Barcelona will lock horns with PSG in over 24 hours in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League quarterfinal tie.

Having secured a 3-2 win over the Parisian giants in the first leg in France last week, Xavi Hernandez & co. will be out to finish the job tomorrow at Estadi Lluis Companys in Montjuic.

Ahead of the big blockbuster encounter on Tuesday night, Barcelona midfield maestro Pedri appeared in front of the media for the pre-match press conference, during which he discussed several topics related to him and the team.

Kicking things off, Pedri gave an insight into the mood of the team as well as his personal sensations heading into tomorrow’s game against PSG, saying:

“The team is very eager and excited to face a match as important as the one we have tomorrow. I’m coming from a bad moment personally, but I’m really looking forward to tomorrow’s game.”

It has been yet another season filled with injuries for Pedri, with the midfielder having faced three separate spells on the sidelines. When asked how he was feeling physically, he replied

“I’m lucky that when I go on the pitch I don’t think about the injuries I’ve had. I’m at the top of my game. The desire and the excitement make up for everything else.”

Pedri’s contract with Barcelona expires in 2026 and there have been talks about a new deal being in the works for him. So, when quizzed on his future at the club, the 21-year-old remarked:

“I am very calm and I know that Barça will keep what we have talked about.”

On the importance of the game against PSG, Pedri added: “It could be the most important, like the Euro semi-finals. I’ve been thinking about playing these nights at Barcelona for a long time.”

Barcelona have been on a brilliant run of form of late, having strung together a 13-game unbeaten streak since Xavi announced his decision to leave at the end of the season.

Pedri acknowledged that the announcement has had some influence on the improvement of the team, saying:

“About Xavi’s announcement, it had to be something to do with it. We’re on a very long run and we’ve improved on clean sheets and being strong at the back. This makes a difference.”

Commenting on the condition of the squad heading into the match, the midfielder commented:

“Even though I wasn’t with the team for a long time, like Frenkie or Andreas, the team has held its own. We are a very complete squad and the important thing is to be united, especially when injuries hit.”

On who he thinks is the favourites to win on Tuesday, Pedri refrained from picking one, but stated that the fans will enjoy what’s in store.

“It’s true that everyone likes to talk about favourites. I think we are two very evenly matched teams and it’s going to be a beautiful game for the spectators. We’ll try to do our best to win it,” he remarked.

“We have to be cautious because Paris are going all out. They’re going to try to turn it around and it’s true that we have this advantage, but we have to go out and beat Paris,” the Spaniard further warned.

Pedri then lavished praise on midfield partner Ilkay Gundogan, saying it was a delight to play with the former Manchester City captain.

“Gündo is a spectacular player. Since I met him in the pre-season I’ve seen him. It’s a pleasure to play with him and I learn a lot from him in training. He has some spectacular numbers,” he remarked.

On his role in the midfield department and where he prefers to play, Pedri replied: “There are two positions in which I feel comfortable. At the base you play more of the ball and have more involvement and up top you are more for the final pass and finishing. I like both and I try to do my best.”

Discussing the maturity of this young Barcelona team, the midfielder noted that they are still working to get better on that aspect, saying:

“Yes, it’s an improvement mentally. When we concede a goal we spent 10-15 minutes hesitating. We’re young and it’s something we’re going to improve with time. In Paris, we turned it around and we have a lot of credit for what we did.”

On how the team is feeling heading into the game and if there was any message he’d like to convey to the fans, Pedri said:

“We face this game with a lot of enthusiasm and desire. We want to give the fans something to cheer about. I’d tell them to be with us, that we’ll go out there and give it our all.”

There have been doubts about whether Pedri is ready to play the full 90 minutes given that he has only recently returned from injury. When asked if he felt up for it, the midfielder said:

“I feel strong and I always want to play in these games. As long as I’m up for it, I’ll give everything on the pitch. After that, I’ll ask for a substitution if I have to.”

Earlier today, Barcelona president Joan Laporta showed up at the training session to provide his support to the team. Discussing what he told the squad, Pedri stated:

“He told us to give our all and to go out to the game with a lot of enthusiasm. The presi passed that on to us.”

Pedri then heaped praise on Barcelona youngster Pau Cubarsi, praising him for his distribution skills at the age of 17, saying:

“I love him. A centre-back who filters so many balls is a joy for the team. I’ve never seen a centre-back with those characteristics at the age of 17. In the duels it’s difficult to see him lose one. He’s a great person and I laugh a lot with him.”

The midfielder also commented on the absences of Sergi Roberto and Andreas Christensen, who are suspended for tomorrow’s game, as he said:

“Andreas and Sergi helped us a lot. I’m going to go out intense, to win every game. Let’s hope we don’t notice the absentees.”

The Spanish international also had a few words to say about his good friend and fellow midfielder Gavi, who is currently injured.

“With long injuries like Balde and Gavi it’s complicated. It hurts my soul, because I know what he is feeling. Of course this goes for him and the injured,” remarked Pedri.

On the threat posed by Kylian Mbappe and PSG, Pedri said: “You have to have the ball and make sure they don’t create chances. Not just Kylian, but also Ous [Ousmane Dembele] and Barcola. We have to try to make up for the advantages they have in one-on-ones.”

Reminiscing the 6-1 remontada against PSG from 2017, Pedri insisted that he hoped this Barcelona side can give fans similar joy tomorrow.

“It’s a game that sticks in your mind. I couldn’t believe how it happened. These are games that stick in your mind and I hope we can give the fans another joy,” he said.

Signing off, Pedri stated what he expects from tomorrow’s game, saying: “It’s going to be an intense game and they’re going to press us up front. Everyone is going to fight for possession.

“Both teams want it and it’s difficult to make up for it when another team plays well. Whoever has the ball will win the game.”

OUSMANE DEMBÉLÉ GIVEN HOSTILE RECEPTION UPON BARCELONA RETURN

“I regretted his departure, he was in an extraordinary moment. I don’t him and I will greet him,” said Barcelona manager Xavi in the run-up to Paris Saint-Germain’s visit on Tuesday. The Barcelona fans were not quite as hospitable.

PSG triggered the release clause in Dembélé’s contract in the summer, bringing his time at the Nou Camp to a close. The Frenchman’s time at Barcelona was marred by injuries and therefore a lack of rhythm but at the time of his departure, Dembélé looked to be hitting his stride.

However, Dembélé was keen for a new challenge and a return to France was confirmed before the start of the season. Whilst, statistically speaking, Dembélé hasn’t had the strongest debut season at PSG, he has quickly earned the faith of manager Luís Enrique, who has described the winger as “the most destabilising player in the world.”

In the first leg of PSG’s quarter-final encounter with Barcelona last Wednesday, Dembélé got on the scoresheet for just the second time this season and despite scoring against his former side, did not hold back in his celebration. How he will be received in Barcelona on Tuesday remains a mystery but if Monday was anything to go by, it may be quite hostile.

As he stepped off the team bus on Monday afternoon, Dembélé was booed by Barcelona fans who had gathered at Les Parisiens’ team hotel. He should probably expect more of the same on Tuesday. Watch the video of PSG’s arrival in Barcelona HERE.

Xavi talks Pedri, Yamal, Cubarsi, Dembele, Raphinha, Guardiola, Enrique ahead of Barcelona vs PSG

Barcelona get set to take on PSG in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals tomorrow in Montjuic.

The Blaugrana go into the game with a slight advantage thanks to a 3-2 win from the first leg at Parc des Princes in France last week.

And the aim is to finish the job at home on Tuesday night and secure a spot in the semifinals of the competition, where they would be facing one of Atletico Madrid or Borussia Dortmund.

On the eve of the match, Xavi addressed the media at his pre-match press conference, talking about the situation and mentality of the team heading into perhaps the biggest game of the season thus far.

Starting things off, Xavi gave an insight into what he expects to see from PSG and the game in general tomorrow, as he said:

“It’s a great opportunity for us as a club. We’re playing at home and Montjuïc has to resemble the great nights at Camp Nou. PSG will not go out to speculate and will match our man-to-man system.

We have to show a lot of personality to get through to the semi-finals. It will be a brave PSG and we have home advantage, but it will be a very difficult game. We’re excited in the good sense of the word.”

On his personal feelings heading into the contest, Xavi remarked: “I’m feeling good, motivated for tomorrow. I’m very proud to be able to qualify for the semi-finals. Barcelona fans are too. It’s a great opportunity.

“Victories are a relief, but defeats don’t let you breathe. I’m with Ancelotti. I’m euphoric and excited to be where we are.”

Stressing the importance of two of his midfield stalwarts in Pedri and Ilkay Gundogan, Xavi said: “I like them both. I can imagine them making the last pass. It’s the great quality they have. They give us pause and tempo.

“Tomorrow is a difficult game for the midfielders. We will be up against one of the most intense teams in the world. If Gündogan and Pedri have space and time, we’ll gain a lot.”

When asked if Pedri is ready to play the full 90 minutes a week after returning from injury, the Barcelona manager replied:

“Everyone who will be called up can play the full 90 minutes. With Pedri we will talk about fatigue. Pedri has to be very important tomorrow.”

The Barça boss also lamented the absences of Andreas Christensen and Sergi Roberto, who miss out due to suspension, saying:

“Christensen and Sergi are very important for us. The suspensions hurt us. The key for tomorrow is to be a team. We have to give our all to get through to the semi-finals. If we are a team, we will have the numbers to reach the semi-finals.”

Opening up on what Barcelona president Joan Laporta told him during today’s training session, Xavi said:

“He told me that he wanted to stay in the team to play. There is enthusiasm again and you can see it in the people, but also in the president. Today he wanted to be with the team to give his support and confidence.

“I’m happy to see him excited. We have regained the enthusiasm that was missing during the season.”

PSG go into the game boosted by the return of one of their key players, Achraf Hakimi, who is back after missing the first leg through suspension. On whether it impacts how Barcelona will play tomorrow, Xavi said:

“Luis and PSG have so many options that you don’t know which variant they will use. We have to understand that we have to have a very clear structure. Tomorrow we will repeat the game, with a few variations. It’s all about the players. Our players were at a brilliant level.”

On the dangers that PSG will pose, the Barcelona boss commented: “PSG or Luis Enrique’s teams always go on the attack. Even more so tomorrow when they are behind on the scoreboard.”

Xavi also spoke about returning former Barcelona star Ousmane Dembele and how he was greeted with insults when he arrived in Catalonia earlier today, saying:

“I greeted him before the game. People show what they want, that’s why they are the public.”

On how he felt after the Frenchman’s summer departure from Barcelona to PSG, Xavi said: “I felt bad about Ousmane because he was in an extraordinary moment here. I don’t hold a grudge against him and tomorrow I will greet him with respect. I’m very fond of him.”

Stressing that the emotional aspects will be equally important as the tactical side to win the game, Xavi stated:

“Very important. In head-to-head ties, feelings are important. We have to control ourselves a lot and show the best side and personality of the team. The emotional aspect is key in the playoffs.”

Amid reports that Barcelona fans want to create a ‘pressure cooker’ situation for PSG tomorrow in Montjuic, Xavi welcomed the idea, claiming that the stadium must turn into a cauldron.

“Tomorrow we need Montjuïc to be a cauldron. It’s very important for the club and I’m sure the fans will help us,” he remarked.

The topic of his future after the end of the season was once again broached, but Xavi waved it off saying: “You worry too much about me. The important thing is for the club to go through to the semi-finals, not for me to go anywhere.”

The Barcelona manager then went on to talk about how Pep Guardiola, Luis Enrique, and Luis Aragones are three coaches that left the biggest impression on him, as he said:

“Perhaps along with Luis Aragones, they are the three coaches who have left the biggest mark on me. With Pep, Luis and Luis Enrique. When I think about what I have to do, I remember them a lot. They have shaped me. That’s my reality.”

The Barcelona manager then earmarked Raphinha as someone who can make a difference for the team tomorrow, like he did in the first leg, saying:

“He thinks about the team and the group. Everyone is thinking about the collective. This is where the improvement comes from. Raphinha has a lot of ability and talent. He can be a difference maker as he was in the first leg.”

On the youngsters, Pau Cubarsi and Lamine Yamal, he said: “They are two people who are talkative and always want to be better. I don’t have to explain much to them. It’s a Champions League night and it’s a great opportunity. There’s no need for extra motivation.”

On what it means to reach the semi-finals, given Barcelona’s recent struggles in Europe, Xavi said:

“It would be one more reason to make it more mystical. To reach the semi-finals would be a resounding success. To see the Culés like that again is already a success, but the objective is to reach the semi-finals and that would be very exciting.”

On whether he feels liberated now, Xavi remarked: “No doubt about it. Me, the players and the press. I had more of a feeling of belonging and it worked out great.”

 

Why Raphinha is likely to start for Barcelona over Joao Felix in PSG return clash

Photo by LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images

Come tomorrow night, FC Barcelona will play one of their most important fixtures of the ongoing season as they host PSG in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League quarterfinals.

The Blaugrana hold a slight advantage going into the second leg after having beaten Les Parisiens 3-2 away from home last week.

But the job is far from done and PSG will not make things easy for the reigning La Liga champions come Tuesday.

Having given a rest to most of his regular starters this past weekend, Xavi already has a clear picture of what his starting XI would look like, barring a couple of doubts.

One of those doubts is whether to start Joao Felix or Raphinha on the left flank. The Brazilian was given a break against Cadiz, as he made way for Felix, who capitalised on his chance and emerged as the match-winner.

Raphinha likely to start

Joao Felix put in a fine performance against Cadiz on Saturday night, capped off by a stunning goal which proved to be the match-winner on the night.

he Portuguese international has put his hands up and come up clutch in times of need for Barcelona on many occasions now.

Despite that, though, on Tuesday night, it is Raphinha who is likely to start against PSG on the left flank for the Blaugrana.

Raphinha Barcelona
Raphinha scored a brace against PSG last week. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

The 27-year-old enjoyed a dream game in the first leg in Paris, scoring a brace and generally impacting the match in a huge way, which in itself warrants him a start.

On top of that, another major reason for Raphinha being in a better position to start on the left, ahead of Joao Felix, is his defensive work rate.

PSG will be bolstered by the return of Achraf Hakimi on Tuesday after the Moroccan right-back missed the last game through suspension.

Given his attacking nature and the threat that he poses going forward on the right side, the danger of Hakimi and Ousmane Dembele doubling up on Joao Cancelo becomes very much real.

As such, Barcelona would stand to benefit from having a hard-working winger like Raphinha, who is not shy of tracking back and putting in a shift off the ball.

Three major improvements that helped FC Barcelona get back to the elite level

Barcelona have lost zero games out of their last 13 matches, with the Catalans evidently playing with a new lease of life since coach Xavi Hernandez announced his resignation.

While Barça still have a long way to go before they can declare the season an outright success, the strides they have made over the last few months significantly contrast their performances from earlier in the season.

This newfound confidence was best transmitted in the clash against PSG in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals, as Barcelona secured a convincing 3-2 win over the Parisians.

Delving deeper into the reasons behind the Blaugranes’ upturn in form, there are three improvements that brought Barcelona back to its elite level.

1. Defensive resurgence

Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsi, and Jules Kounde have marshaled the back line exceptionally since playing in a faux three-at-the-back system.

Specifically, the complementary profiles of Cubarsi and Araujo have allowed Barcelona to overcome their previous shortcomings, with a mix of distribution excellence and duel-winning present.

In Gerard Pique’s penultimate year with Barcelona, the Spaniard maximized Araujo’s strengths by handling the bulk of build-up responsibilities. Now, Cubarsi is emulating his role as the duo synergizes, complementing each other’s strengths and mitigating their weaknesses.

Moreover, Kounde’s role at right-back has been equally important, as the Frenchman excels not only in possession but also in providing defensive cover to the wide channels when Barcelona are defending.

Individually, the defenders have all stepped up, but from a collective standpoint, credit goes to Xavi for placing his men in a favorable context and profiling them to perfection.

After all, the structural overhaul has reduced the team’s tendency to get cut open in transition, liberating the defenders further.

The fact that Barcelona have kept six clean sheets in a row in La Liga is a testament to the defensive solidity and tactical discipline instilled by their coaching staff.

2. Lewandowski’s return to the top

Given Lewandowski’s woes in the first half of the season, it was hard to anticipate such a drastic turnaround.

Even so, since the turn of the year, Lewandowski has undergone a remarkable metamorphosis. Recapturing the form reminiscent of his early months at Barça, it is fair to argue that he stands among Europe’s premier strikers this year.

Indeed, the veteran striker is back in contention for the Pichichi award, rediscovering his scoring touch and showcasing the predatory instincts he was renowned for at Bayern Munich.

Since the bitter defeat to Villarreal at home, he has notched five goals and three assists in nine league games, including two against Napoli in the Champions League.

Crucially, his overall game has seen a marked improvement. Lewandowski’s impact beyond goals was exemplified best in matches against Atletico Madrid and PSG.

At the Wanda Metropolitano, the 35-year-old showcased mastery in hold-up play, which completely dismantled Atletico’s pressing shape as spaces in their back-line began to enlarge. Against PSG, he was once again on top of his game.

Barely giving the ball away despite having defenders breathing down his neck, the former Bayern Munich man played neat lay-offs, dropped deep to lure PSG’s defenders, and created space for his compatriots in attack.

Lewandowski’s revival has been a major reason behind Barcelona’s evolution in form, with chances effectively being converted and the team’s tendency to attack through long balls yielding fruit.

3. The genius of Ilkay Gundogan

Signed on a free transfer, Barcelona have struck gold with Ilkay Gundogan. The German maestro has been a mainstay in the Catalan team, starting games with exceptional frequency and simultaneously churning out dependable displays.

Although Gundogan commenced the season playing deeper, his activity in the final third has increased vastly as of late, which has in turn helped Barça dominate in the final third.

The statistics testify to his talents, as Gundogan has the most chances created in not just the Champions League but also the top five leagues in Europe.

While his total of 11 assists in all competitions may appear impressive, the 33-year-old is unfortunate to not have more to his name. He has the most expected assists and the most expected goals of any La Liga midfielder this season.

On top of his elite productivity from midfield, Gundogan’s game awareness, circulation of possession, and ability to progress centrally through blockades of pressure make him a key piece in Xavi’s side.

It is worth noting that the former Manchester City man has a knack for turning up the ante in the concluding stages of the season, which is a trend that has stayed intact at Barcelona.

Barcelona Hope Young Blood Can Overcome Old Ghosts In Europe

Barcelona host Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday hoping their young stars can help them vanquish the ghosts of the past and return the five-time winners to the Champions League elite. The Catalans’ dramatic 3-2 quarter-final first leg victory in Paris is arguably their finest result away from home in the competition in the last decade, sparking big dreams in Catalonia. “I understand the euphoria — it’s better to live with euphoria than with pessimism,” said Barca coach Xavi Hernandez on Saturday.

Xavi’s side which snatched victory at the Parc des Princes featured the two youngest players ever to play in the final eight of the Champions League, in 16-year-old Lamine Yamal, and Pau Cubarsi, 17.

That fresh blood has brought new life to a team not only struggling this season but which has been weighed down mentally by failure stacked on failure since they last triumphed in Europe in 2015.

The Catalans lifted the trophy in Berlin with current PSG coach Luis Enrique at the helm, propelled by the magical strike force of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez.

The years since have been a collection of dramatic collapses on the biggest stages on the continent and, worse still, ignominious defeats in earlier rounds.

Yamal and Cubarsi are untainted by the psychological damage of those defeats and Xavi has praised their mentality.

“(Yamal) is very calm and very mature, so measured in the sense that he bears everything so well that’s happening to him, despite his young age,” said Xavi in March.

After Cubarsi shone to help Barcelona progress from the last 16 against Napoli, Xavi offered similar praise.

“He has a very well furnished brain,” said the coach.

‘Put the ghosts aside’

Cubarsi’s cool was just what Barcelona lacked when they threw away a 4-1 first leg lead to crash out in 2018 at Roma in the quarter-finals, pounded 3-0 at the Olympic Stadium in the Italian capital.

The following season they collapsed at an ecstatic Anfield, unable to protect a 3-0 advantage earned at the Camp Nou.

The remarkable 4-0 second leg defeat sent shock waves reverberating around the club and led to coach Ernesto Valverde’s eventual sacking a few months later.

The final nail in the coffin for the majority of the players remaining from Barcelona’s golden era was an 8-2 hammering by Bayern Munich in the 2020 quarters.

Many of Barcelona’s veteran stars seemed scarred by their European collapses and before long Messi, Suarez, Jordi Alba, Gerard Pique and company were gone.

Goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen is one of two survivors from the triumphant 2015 team, along with Sergi Roberto who famously scored the decisive sixth goal in Barca’s 6-1 ‘remontada’ — comeback — against PSG in 2017.

“We have to put the ghosts aside,” said the goalkeeper in October after Barca won a hard-fought group game at Porto.

“It’s not necessary to put pressure on ourselves… we have a different team (now).”

The Bayern defeat left no doubts about the idea Barcelona had fallen from the game’s upper crust.

Between then and now Barcelona have twice crashed out in the group stage, dropping into the Europa League and hitting their lowest ebb in the 21st century.

President Joan Laporta pledged to restore Barcelona to the highest pedestal of European football and now has the club on the verge of the final four, after four years without making the quarter-finals.

Critics chastised him for failing to make good on his pledge to keep Messi at the club, but that role on the right of the attack is now where Yamal is flourishing.

Laporta was also blasted for sacrificing future television revenue for funds to splurge on Robert Lewandowski, Jules Kounde, Raphinha and others in the summer of 2022, but they all shone against PSG with the latter netting twice.

By winning La Liga last season Barcelona showed they were improving and now what remains is finishing the job they started in Paris to make that progress evident in Europe too.

 

THE 2 POTENTIAL SURPRISES IN BARCELONA’S LINE-UP TO FACE PSG

An update on the plans of Barcelona head coach Xavi for his starting line-up to face Paris Saint-Germain this week has today been forthcoming online.

Barca, of course, are set to turn attentions back towards matters on the continent in two days’ time.

After putting Cádiz to the sword by a solitary goal in La Liga on Saturday, the 2nd leg of the club’s Champions League quarter-final tie with the aforementioned PSG now lies in store.

The Blaugrana, of course, will head into proceedings boasting a slender advantage, owing to a 3-2 triumph in France’s capital this past Wednesday.

Xavi and co, though, are no doubt acutely aware that an equally impressive performance will likely be required in Catalunya, to put to bed an always dangerous PSG outfit containing the talents of Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé and more.

A strong XI is in turn expected to take to the pitch for Tuesday’s hosts at Montjuïc.

The bulk of the personnel will remain the same as took to the pitch at the Parc des Princes, with as many as nine players understood to be all but locked in to start.

As per a report from Marca, though, question marks remain when it comes to a couple of key positions.

In the middle of the park, the current favourite to join Frenkie de Jong and İlkay Gündoğan is Pedri.

Fresh off his latest injury setback last month, however, it has not yet been definitively decided that the 21-year-old will be thrown in from the off against PSG.

Should Xavi opt to take the safe route, with Sergi Roberto and Andreas Christensen suspended, youngster Fermín López would step into the Blaugrana XI.

And the other player pushing for a starting berth on the continent comes in the form of João Félix.

Frontman Félix is of course fresh off a match-winning display, which saw the Portuguese net the only goal of Saturday’s win over Cádiz.

And Marca suggest that his fine recent form gives Félix ‘options to enter the eleven’, in place of one of Lamine Yamal, or Raphinha.

Preview: Barcelona vs. Paris Saint-Germain – prediction, team news, lineups

Barcelona will be aiming to book their spot in the semi-finals of the Champions League for the first time since the 2018-19 campaign when they welcome Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday night.

Xavi‘s side will bring a narrow advantage into the second leg of their quarter-final at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, having recorded a 3-2 victory in the first leg in the French capital last week.

Barcelona’s form since Xavi announced that he would be standing down as head coach this summer has been excellent, going 13 games unbeaten in all competitions, recording 10 wins in the process.

Those in charge of the Catalan outfit remain hopeful that Xavi can be convinced to stay on beyond the end of the season, but the legendary former midfielder continues to insist that he will be departing; for now, the focus is on the rest of the campaign, as Barcelona fight for two trophies.

Raphinha was the star of the show in Paris in the first leg, netting a brace, while Andreas Christensen came up with the winner in the 77th minute, so Barcelona will enter this fixture with a 3-2 advantage.

The Catalan side were incredibly eliminated in the group stage of both the 2021-22 and 2022-23 Champions League tournaments, while they have not progressed past the quarter-finals since 2018-19, when they were beaten by Liverpool in the final four, and their last final appearance was in 2015, overcoming Juventus to win the trophy.

Barcelona lead the overall head-to-head against PSG, boasting six wins to the French outfit’s four, but they suffered a 4-1 home loss to the capital giants in the last-16 first leg back in February 2021.

Xavi’s side will enter this match off the back of a 1-0 win over Cadiz in La Liga on Saturday, and they have been victorious in each of their last four in the league; Real Madrid, though, have an eight-point advantage over second-placed Barcelona at the summit ahead of El Clasico next weekend.

PSG, meanwhile, have not been in action since the first leg, with their last Ligue 1 game coming at home to Clermont on April 6, sharing the points in a 1-1 draw, which left them 10 points clear at the top of the table.

Unless something extraordinary happens, another Ligue 1 championship will be secured this season, but the Champions League is the trophy that this club really want, and it would be some story if a certain Kylian Mbappe could help the team win the competition as a parting gift.

Luis Enrique‘s side were far from convincing in the group stage of the competition, only picking up eight points from their six matches, but they managed to finish second behind Borussia Dortmund, before recording a 4-1 success over Real Sociedad in the round of 16.

PSG were last present in the semi-finals in 2020-21, while they made the final in 2019-20, but two of their last three tournaments have ended in the round of 16.

The capital outfit will be aware of the size of the task facing them against an in-form Barcelona, but this is the side of the draw that both sides would have wanted to have been in, as the winner will take on either Atletico Madrid or Borussia Dortmund for a position in the final.

Barcelona remain without the services of Gavi and Alejandro Balde due to long-term injuries, and neither player will be available for selection until next season.

The Catalan outfit have not reported any further fitness concerns, and the squad will be boosted by the returns of Joao Cancelo, Inigo Martinez and Robert Lewandowski, who were all suspended against Cadiz in the league.

However, Barcelona do have two players banned for this contest, with Christensen and Sergi Roberto picking up milestone yellow cards in the first leg in Paris last week.

Pedri has featured off the bench in the team’s last two games after recovering from a thigh problem and is now in line for a start, while outstanding teenagers Pau Cubarsi and Lamine Yamal are also set to be in the XI.

As for PSG, Presnel Kimpembe, Layvin Kurzawa and Sergio Rico remain on the sidelines, while Nordi Mukiele will need to be assessed due to a head injury.

Achraf Hakimi was suspended for the first leg, but he will be back in the team at right-back here, while head coach Enrique could also introduce Goncalo Ramos and Warren Zaire-Emery into his starting side.

Ousmane Dembele will once again line up against his former club, while Mbappe will be bidding to add to the four goals that he has scored against Barcelona in the Champions League.

Marco Asensio is likely to be the player to drop out to make way for Ramos, while Lee Kang-in and Nuno Mendes may also be named on the bench for the first whistle on Tuesday night.

Barcelona possible starting lineup:
Ter Stegen; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Cancelo; Pedri, Gundogan, F de Jong; Yamal, Lewandowski, Raphinha

Paris Saint-Germain possible starting lineup:
Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Beraldo, Hernandez; Zaire-Emery, Ruiz, Vitinha; Dembele, Ramos, Mbapp

We say: Barcelona 2-1 Paris Saint-Germain (Barcelona win 5-3 on aggregate)

The first leg between the two sides was brilliant, and we are expecting plenty more entertainment on Tuesday night. PSG certainly have enough quality to turn this game around, but Barcelona have been boosted with the returns of some key players at a vital stage of the season, and we are expecting Xavi’s side to navigate their way into the semi-finals of the competition.

Pedri To Start The Game | 4-3-3 Barcelona Predicted Lineup Vs PSG

After a 1-0 win against Cadiz in La Liga, Barcelona are preparing to host PSG in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final. The Spanish giant showcased good fighting spirit to win the first tie 3-2 after being 2-1 down at a point in time.