SETTABLOID

The time is nigh for Barcelona to take on PSG in the Champions League and turn their ailing fortunes around in a competition where they have grown accustomed to adversity.

The Catalan giants have squared off against PSG on various occasions in the past, but this time they will be looking to redeem themselves, having tasted defeat the last time the two sides locked horns.

Despite both Barça and PSG relying on many young players this season, the quality of this clash is expected to be through the roof.

In what will be a tightly contested affair between two quality teams, we take a look at the three individual battles that could define this highly anticipated showdown.

Ronald Araujo & Jules Kounde vs Kylian Mbappe

Barcelona’s success in neutralising Kylian Mbappe will be pivotal in determining their chances of qualifying for the Champions League semi-finals.

The 2018 World Cup winner’s tendency to step up on the big stages needs no introduction, as Barcelona especially experienced his talents firsthand when he ran riot at Camp Nou in 2021.

While Barça will be compelled to exercise caution once more, the Catalans have brick houses in defence to depend upon this time: Jules Kounde and Ronald Araujo.

The PSG forward’s ability to not only dominate in individual take-ons but also exploit spaces behind the opposition’s defence through well-timed runs will require the Catalans’ defenders to track his movements meticulously.

However, Mbappe’s goal-scoring prowess is what Barcelona will be most wary of. He has scored six goals in eight games in the Champions League thus far and notched an incredibly impressive 24 goals in 26 games in Ligue 1.

Barcelona head coach Xavi has this evening provided updates on the wellbeing of two headline members of his squad.

Midfield pair Pedri and De Jong have of course both spent the last month on the sidelines, owing to respective injuries suffered in a La Liga meeting with Athletic Club on March 3rd.

The status of both for Barcelona’s impending Champions League showdown with Paris Saint-Germain had, in turn, since remained up in the air.

All associated with the Blaugrana will therefore no doubt breathe a collective sigh of relief on Tuesday evening.

This comes amid confirmation on the part of Xavi that both Pedri and De Jong will be available to feature at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday night.

“Frenkie de Jong and Pedri available? I can confirm that all those who have travelled will be available tomorrow, barring any surprises,” Barca’s headmaster announced in a press conference.

It now remains to be seen whether either are thrown back into the fray from the off in Paris.

Oriol Romeu may have started the season with Barcelona in good touch and earned praise from far and wide. However, his downfall was as rapid as his ascent to prominence.

A series of subpar performances saw Romeu crash out of favour under Xavi and he soon lost his status as a starter for the Catalans. His minutes, to this day, are limited to short cameos off the bench and his future is more uncertain than ever.

The Spanish midfielder spoke about a number of topics during a recent interaction with RAC 1 including his future and lack of continuity at the club among other topics.

As part of the same interview, Romeu revealed that playing for Barcelona was always his dream and how he was living the same under Xavi.

The defensive midfielder then went on to reveal that he has had to work hard throughout his career to take progressive steps and weighed his past against one of Barcelona’s prodigies.

Everything I did cost me a lot. I’m not Pedri who has natural talent, but day by day I learned a lot.”

When Romeu arrived, many expected him to right away fill the shoes left vacant by Sergio Busquets and he copped a lot of criticism online from some fans as a result.

Addressing his contractual situation at Barcelona and what the future held for him, Romeu insisted that he would prioritise what was best for all parties involved when pressed to make a decision.

Finally, he was quizzed on where Spanish clubs including Barcelona stand when compared to top Premier League sides, to which he said,

In 23 appearances and ten starts for the Blaugranas this season, Romeu has provided one assist and created three big chances in addition to five defensive actions per game.

A departure in June is on the cards, especially given Barcelona’s desire to rope in a new midfield

With the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals just around the corner, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are preparing for their respective duels as they each aim to clinch a spot in the semi-finals of the competition.

No league has more participants in this season’s last eight than La Liga, whose teams have won six of the last 10 editions, and the three remaining Spanish sides could all make the semi-finals, as none of them face each other. Here’s a look at what to expect from Los Blancos, Barca and Atleti in these upcoming European fixtures.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side were one of just two teams that managed to have a perfect group stage by winning all their six group games. Real Madrid topped Group C, which also included Napoli, Braga and Union Berlin. The Round of 16 draw then brought the 14-time Champions League winners up against RB Leipzig, with Los Blancos securing a 1-0 win away from home before clinching qualification to the next round by drawing 1-1 at the Bernabeu.

Real Madrid currently sit top of the La Liga table, eight points above second-placed Barcelona. It has been a very solid campaign and Ancelotti’s men remain unbeaten at home this season in all competitions. In fact, Real Madrid’s last home defeat dates back in March 2023, when they lost 1-0 to Barca in the Copa del Rey semi-finals.

Speaking at a press conference earlier today, PSG veteran midfielder Danilo Pereira praised Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal as a ‘magnificent’ talent.

PSG host Barcelona in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals tomorrow at Parc des Princes.

Leading up to the game, Pereira spoke highly of the Catalans’ breakout star of the season, Yamal, but insisted that the Parisian giants will not focus on just one player in tomorrow’s encounter.

“Lamine Yamal is magnificent and we know the ability he has, but we won’t focus on one player,” said Pereira.

“Our plan is to have the ball and take the ball away from Barça. That’s the main weapon we have. We won’t focus on one player,” he added.

On what the game against Barcelona means for him and the PSG players, given the history between the two teams, Danilo said:

There are a lot of transfers and games that we have played against each other. It’s a special match because both clubs are world-class. Nobody wants to miss this game. We’re going for the win to make our fans proud.”

“The group is calm. We know it’s a difficult match and we want to win to eliminate a great team. We’re calm and that’s how we’ll be able to do great things. If we are like this, we are closer to victory,” he added.

Further discussing the pressure heading into the high-profile clash tomorrow, Pereira remarked: “The pressure is a bit different, but the coach also transmits calm and tranquillity to us. We only think about the game.”

There was also praise for manager Luis Enrique with Pereira crediting the ex-Barcelona coach for the good atmosphere in the PSG locker room.

“Luis Enrique gives opportunities to everyone and the players see that and we are more motivated. You can see it in training and in matches. If things aren’t going well we lift our heads up,” he said.

When asked if he thought Barcelona are the favourites going into Wednesday’s match, the midfielder replied:

“I think there are no favourites in the Champions League quarter-finals. Barça and PSG are world-class teams. Barça have five Champions League titles and we could say they are the favourites, but in this tie it doesn’t count. We are ready to show that we can win.”

Girona Sporting Director Quique Carcel is optimistic that they will not face a charm offensive from Barcelona regarding the future of captain Aleix Garcia this summer. The Spain international has declared his desire to play for the Blaugrana, with who he has been heavily linked throughout the season.

Garcia has been one of the stars of the season for Girona in midfield, as they look to secure Champions League football in the final eight games. Carcel explained that the extra attention has not been good for them this season, in terms of interest in his players.

“Many situations and rumours have emerged, something that has distracted our attention because it is not normal for Girona players to have been on the cover of major newspapers. It is difficult for a Girona player to end up playing for Barca or Real Madrid, because they are clubs that have a very large market,” he told Televisio de Girona, as recounted by MD.

AS reports that Sevilla are ready to contact Barcelona in order to sign Ansu Fati in the summer on a season-long loan.

Just like Barcelona, Sevilla are struggling to keep their finances in check. As of today, they will have to sell several players, terminate others at any cost and bring in a lot of players who are free and/or do not cost too much.

Amidst all this, they will have some room to rope in a player on loan and this is where Ansu comes into the picture.

A move could be possible

It is to be noted that before moving to Barcelona, Ansu trained with the youth teams of Sevilla. Between that period and the current situation, a lot has changed for both the player and Barcelona.

After a disappointing stint at Brighton, it is doubtful that the club will be able to offload him for a hefty sum, considering his high salary as well. If they are left with no choice but to loan him out again, Sevilla seems poised to make a move.

As of today, the player seems open to joining Sevilla and this move was on the cards even last summer.

An insight into the planned colours set to be donned by La Liga giants Barcelona in their upcoming meeting with Paris Saint-Germain this week has today been provided.

Barca, of course, will turn their attentions back towards matters on the continent this Wednesday night.

After marking their return to action post-international break with a La Liga downing of Las Palmas, focus is now firmly on the first leg of the club’s Champions League quarter-final tie with the aforementioned PSG.

Xavi’s troops will head into proceedings seeking every advantage they can muster in Paris, aware that a raucous atmosphere awaits them at the Parc des Princes.

And hope of one such good omen will come by way of the Blaugrana’s kit choice.

As revealed by Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona will take to the pitch on Wednesday in their ‘Senyera’ strip – yellow with a quartet of horizontal stripes across the shirt’s chest.

And all associated with the Catalans will be hopeful of their good luck in the jersey continuing in France.

This comes with Xavi and co, in ten outings in yellow across the season to date, having racked up seven wins, and three draws.

It is no secret that Barcelona see Ronald Araujo in their future goals and for that, Joan Laporta has taken the matter into his own hands to ensure the defender’s continuity is sealed.

Given the club’s stance, a report from SPORT has mentioned that Araujo is now ready to commit his future even in the light of Bayern Munich’s interest.

Barcelona have made a firm decision regarding Araujo, opting not to entertain offers despite genuine interest from Bayern Munich and inquiries from two Premier League clubs for the talented Uruguayan centre-back.

This decision marks a definitive stance, although it has not been without its share of tensions and misunderstandings, all of which have now been successfully ironed out.

The turning point in Araujo’s renewal saga occurred on March 6, coinciding with the unveiling of a documentary centred around the player.

It was during this event that Laporta, alongside Deco, Araujo himself, and his agents, convened, signalling Barcelona’s commitment to the player.

Any previous hesitations were dispelled, and the club made it clear that they were firmly backing Araujo.

Interestingly, Araujo was initially unaware of Barcelona’s proposed contract renewal, which had been submitted to his agents for consideration.

Laporta took the initiative to personally approach the player and his representatives, facilitating a transparent discussion.

Consequently, Araujo communicated his desire to negotiate and finalize the terms of the contract extension, with the intention of reaching an agreement before the season concludes.

Despite overtures from Bayern Munich, Araujo’s priority lies with Barcelona, a sentiment that his agents have acknowledged and pledged to respect.

In essence, Barcelona’s decision not to sell Araujo reflects a renewed commitment to nurturing and retaining promising talent within the club.

The resolution of any lingering tensions and misunderstandings underscores the importance of open communication and alignment between the player, his representatives, and the club’s management.

Looking forward, the focus shifts towards finalizing the terms of Araujo’s contract extension, a process that is expected to be completed before the culmination of the current season.

With Araujo firmly committed to Barcelona’s cause, the club can now proceed with confidence, knowing that one of their key defensive assets will remain an integral part of their future plans.

The biggest game of Barcelona’s season has arrived: the Catalans travel to France for the much-anticipated first leg of the Champions League quarter-final tie against Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes, needing a positive result on the road ahead of next week’s return leg at the Montjuïc Olympic Stadium.

Barça had 10 days to prepare for this match and will be the fresher of the two teams, but that doesn’t make the Blaugrana task any easier: PSG are favorites in the tie and have a Barça legend as their manager in Luis Enrique and one of the best players in the world in Kylian Mbappe, and they are hungry to get a big result at home and take a big step towards the semi-finals.

Here’s how we think Xavi Hernández will line up his troops for Wednesday’s battle:

The rare but welcome 10-day window to prepare for this game gave Xavi a chance to fully focus on one opponent and come up with his best possible gameplan to take a positive result back to Catalonia, and the coach seemed to already know his starting XI before the training sessions even began.

According to all reports the boss will stick with pretty much the same team that won the second leg of the Round of 16 against Napoli, which would mean Marc-André ter Stegen in goal and a back four of Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsí and João Cancelo.

The only question about the back four is tactical and it depends on the position of Mbappe: if the French superstar plays on the left wing, Araujo will most likely start at right-back with Kounde in the middle; if Mbappe is the central striker, Kounde will retain his full-back spot and Araujo will be in the heart of the backline. We’ll only know the answer once the game starts.

The international break and the 10 days off after the win over Las Palmas allowed Xavi to recover two crucial pieces: Frenkie de Jong took part in all training sessions over the last week and is expected back in the squad as of this writing, though the same cannot be said of Pedri who will most likely be saved for the second leg.

The second key player back in the fold is Andreas Christensen, who is once again over his Achilles troubles and is ready to start in his now regular defensive midfield role. Ilkay Gündogan will start as usual, and De Jong will most likely be a substitute given his long absence recovering from an ankle injury.

That means there will be two players fighting for the remaining spot in midfield: captain Sergi Roberto and young Fermín López, who have both given plenty of reasons to deserve a start in the big game. Xavi has often opted for experience in big away games throughout his time as Barça coach, so Roberto will most likely get the nod in a more defensive role to allow Gündogan full license to attack in Paris.