Paris Saint-Germain vs Barcelona – UEFA Champions League – Preview

Posted on February 14, 2017 by Sreya

Paris Saint-Germain vs Barcelona –  The UEFA Champions League returns on 14th February, Tuesday as Paris Saint-Germain hosts Barcelona at Parc des Princes in the first leg of their Round of 16 tie.

Paris Saint-Germain have made it to the quarter-finals of Europe’s premier competition for the last four seasons but the defending Ligue 1 champions have never faced a sterner test than the five-time European Champions Barcelona at this stage.

Barcelona will enter this match brimming with confidence after thrashing Alaves 6-0 in the weekend and are the favorites in spite of the French club’s growing stature in the UEFA Champions League.

Team News

Thiago Silva is injured while Thiago Motta is suspended. Javier Pastore and Grzegorz Krychowiak are still regaining match fitness and are unlikely to feature. Barcelona will be without the injured Aleix Vidal and Javier Mascherano while Rafinha will face a late fitness test.

Paris Saint-Germain Possible Starting Lineup: Kevin Trapp, Serge Aurier, Marquinhos, Presnel Kimpembe, Layvin Kurzawa, Marco Veratti, Blaise Matuidi, Adrien Rabiot, Lucas Moura, Edinson Cavani, Angel di Maria.

Barcelona Possible Starting Lineup: Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Sergi Roberto, Samuel Umiti, Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba, Ivan Rakitic, Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta, Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Neymar.

‘The squad is very motivated. We don’t feel inferior to anyone. We have very important players who are growing at PSG and who want to write a wonderful story, as individuals and with PSG.

We want to seize this chance because we’re playing against one of the best teams in Europe and the world. It’ll be difficult for us – but also difficult for them.”

– Unai Emery, Paris Saint-Germain.

Contributor’s Pick

According to Paris Saint-Germain vs Barcelona H2H Stats, Barcelona have won three and lost only one of their previous five meetings with Paris Saint-Germain. It should be a closely contested affair but Barcelona are likely to win 2-1 tonight.