Barcelona failed to progress beyond the UEFA Champions League group stage in their first two seasons after Messi’s departure.
But after two humiliating years in the Europa League, the Catalan giants have been provided the perfect opportunity to redeem themselves against Paris Saint-Germain.
Interestingly enough, the last time Barça reached the tournament’s knockout rounds, they were dealt a defeat by Mauricio Pochettino’s PSG side.
However, much has changed since then. Barcelona have revamped their squad with new faces and a new coach, with the club recently hitting a rich vein of form.
And considering the second leg will be played at the Montjuïc, they will be mildly optimistic about their chances of overcoming the Parisians.
That said, fortune has scarcely favored the Blaugranas in the Champions League, and the looming possibility of key players facing suspension adds an element of tension for Barça.
There are seven players who are one game away from facing suspension and could miss the return leg six days later at home soil if they see yellow.
Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen, Frenkie de Jong, Sergi Roberto, Joao Felix, Lamine Yamal, and Ferran Torres are the 7 players exposed to the threat of missing the second leg.
The aforementioned players have picked up two yellow cards in the competition and will have to sit a game out if the total goes up to three.
Araujo, Christensen, Frenkie, and Yamal are expected to be starters in both legs thus their availability will be crucial to Xavi.
But it is arguably Araujo and Christensen that will bear the highest level of vulnerability as they will be compelled to get physical in defense and deal with pacy forwards, potentially leading to the necessity of tactical fouls.
Apart from the pair, the rest of the players will have to exercise caution too, as any absences in this crucial affair could jeopardize Xavi’s plans.
Due to suspension, Achraf Hakimi will miss Paris Saint-Germain’s first leg against Barcelona, which provides some relief to Barcelona, as he has been in fine form lately.
Manuel Ugarte, Lucas Hernandez, and Milan Skriniar are all suspended as well. The Catalan giants will be looking forward to exploiting this opportunity.
