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.
