Champions League: Barcelona – PSG Preview

Arguably the best match-up in the UEFA Champions League Quarterfinal draw, football power house Barcelona will play against the new and improved Ligue 1 team, Paris Saint-Germain. The first leg of this mouthwatering game will be held in Parc des Princes, PSG’s home turf, in April 3. This is a critical game for both teams since the winner of the match will have a cushion for the second leg, lessening the pressure to score more goals than their opponents.

This is a very hard match-up to predict since both teams have very talented players. FC Barcelona, of course, has the trio of Lionel Messi, Xavi and Andres Iniesta to cover the scoring responsibilities. PSG, on the other hand, has (arguably) the most complete forward in the game, Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The addition of the Brazilian prospect Lucas Moura also bolsters the Parisian club’s offense, leveling almost at par with Barcelona’s. 

Paris Saint-Germain
Carlo Ancelloti, coach
“It’s magnificent. I’m really happy to be playing Barcelona. We know that it’ll be difficult as Real Madrid and Barcelona are the best teams, those with the best chance of winning this cup. But it’s a good test for us. We already played them in pre-season. It was a good test for us, but it’ll be a different feeling, a different atmosphere. Of course, Barcelona has more chance of winning.”
Weekend Result
Sunday: Saint-Etienne 2-2 PSG (Alex 37 csc,Clerc 72; Pastore 9, Ibrahimovic 19)
Lavezzi, Pastore, Matuidi, Alex, Maxwell, Sirigu, Ibrahimovic, Chantome, Beckham, Thiago Silva, Van der Wiel
· PSG scored the first two goals but Saint-Etienne was able to level the game in the second half.
Team News:
Ibrahimovic’s suspension is reduced to one game, making him available for Barcelona clash.

Barcelona
Tito Vilanova, manager
(No comment)
Weekend Result
Sunday : Barcelona 3- 1 Rayo Vallecano (Villa 24, Messi 39, 56; Tamundo 69)
Messi, David Villa, Valdes, Puyol, Xavi, Dani Alves, Song, Iniesta, Fabregas
· Barca had an early 3-0 lead. Tamundo had a consolation goal in the 69th minute.
Team News:
Tito Vilanova is back for Barcelona after recovering from surgery for a removal of tumor.

Match Fact
Both teams are level in their pre-season game against each other (2-2). Barcelona won on penalties though (1-4).

Barcelona – PSG Betting Tip: BTS (both teams to score)
Odds: 1.5