It marks four years since the historic La Remontada, Barcelona, and Paris Saint Germaine get a golden chance to renew their hostilities in the first leg of the Champions League last 16 this week. The match schedules for Tuesday evening at Camp Nou with kickoff at 11 pm.
Barcelona has locked horns with PSG several times at the stage, with Lionel Messi proving the difference in most wins. However, it might be his last match for the Catalan giants with becoming a free agent in the summer.
The hosts warmed up for this match with a comfortable 5-0 win over Alaves, with the Argentine scoring two golazos. PSG also ended with an unconvincing 2-1 win over Nice in the match buildup.
Lionel Messi recorded another record for the Catalans on Saturday evening. What makes it interesting is that he did not find the back of the net to get his name in Blaugrana’s history books.
It was his 505th match in top-flight that passed Xavi’s record at Camp Nou. The win over Alaves is important especially following their exit from the Copa del Rey first-leg defeat to Sevilla.
Mauricio Pochettino was left writhing, including high praised asset Neymar in the Coupe de France with Caen earlier this month. Neymar will miss both fixtures against his former side.
Barcelona vs. PSG Head to Head
Both sides have eight games against each other, with Barcelona taking home four wins while PSG with two wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
Barcelona 5-1 Alaves
Sevilla 2-0 Barcelona
Real Betis 2-3 Barcelona
Granada 3-5 Barcelona
Barcelona 2-1 Athletic Bilbao
Away
PSG 2-1 Nice
Caen 0-1 PSG
Marseille 0-2 PSG
PSG 3-0 Nimes
Lorient 3-2 PSG
Barcelona Team News
Gerrard Pique returned to ground training earlier this week and awaits a last-minute decision to feature alongside Lenglet. Long term absentees for the side include Ansu Fati, Phillipe Countinho, and Sergi Roberto. A major injury boost for Ronald Koeman is the return of Sergio Dest in the right-back position.
PSG Team News
Neymar’s adductor injury rules him out and potentially also for their trip to Parc des Princes. Moise Kean showed an impressive display against Nice on the right-hand side to keep Sarabia on the bench. There remain doubts over the inclusion of Marco Veratti.
Prediction and Odds
The absence of Neymar and Di Maria changes the prospects for PSG in pulling off a win this Tuesday.
Barcelona Win
Goals Over 2.5
Messi to Score
