One of the highly anticipated fixtures in the second leg of the Champions League last 16 tie takes place this week. PSG will be looking to advance to the quarter-finals at Parc des Princes as they face off against Barcelona with a 4-1 win.
Lionel Messi broke the deadlock against his long-term admirers from the penalty spot at Camp Nou. However, the victory short-lived following a hat-trick from Kylian Mbappe and Moise Kean’s header.
Both teams warmed up for the clash with respective domestic victories at the weekend, as Barcelona overcame Osasuna 2-0 in La Liga while PSG cruised past Brest 3-0 in Coupe de France.
Kylian Mbappe’s electrifying performance showed many fans passing the torch to the new crop of talents across Europe. It has been 15 years where Lionell Messi made Camp Nou his playground.
Most fans expected PSG to struggle, especially with Neymar and Andel di Maria watching from the sidelines. Mbappe became the third player of all time to net a hat-trick against Barcelona-following the greats’ footsteps like Faustino Asprilla and Andriy Shevchenko.
The loss brings many fans reminiscing the 2016-17 Remontada after PSG stormed a 4-0 win in the first leg. The spirited fight inspired by Neymar saw current Villarreal’s boss Unai Emery’s tenure came to an end. Could it be another stroll memory lane this Wednesday?
PSG vs Barcelona Head to Head
Both sides have nine games against each other, with PSG taking home three wins while Barcelona with four wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
Brest 0-3 PSG
Bordeaux 0-1 PSG
Dijon 0-4 PSG
PSG 0-2 Monaco
Barcelona 1-4 PSG
Away
Osasuna 0-2 Barcelona
Barcelona 3-0 Sevilla
Sevilla 0-2 Barcelona
Barcelona 3-0 Elche
Barcelona 1-1 Cadiz
PSG Team News
In what many see as a major boost for Pochettino is the return of Neymar to full ground training. It is a breath of fresh air to see Neymar reunite with his former club and friend Messi. Alessandro Florenzi overcame a muscular problem ahead of the clash. Moise Kean missed out due to coronavirus.
Barcelona Team News
There is an injury woe for Ronald Koeman with Gerard Pique, Sergi Roberto and Ronald Araujo major injury doubts ahead of the clash. Junior Firpo might be the new face in case Alba does not pass fit.
Prediction and Odds
PSG might choose to lay back defensively against Barcelona, seeking a goal galore to overturn the first leg.
Draw
Both Teams to Score
Goals Over 2.5
