It’s not often a team travels to the Camp Nou for the second leg of a UEFA Champions League tie with a four goal lead but that’s the position Paris Saint-Germain find themselves heading into Wednesday’s pivotal match. As optimistic as most PSG supporters are (4,500 expected to be in attendance) about reaching a fifth consecutive quarterfinal, there’s still plenty of reasons to worry about a historic comeback–and they start with the initials “MSN.”
Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and Neymar are more than capable of making this game interesting and they’ll have over 90,000 Catalans urging them on. Since the 4-0 loss to PSG on Valentine’s Day, Barcelona have gone on an impressive four-game win streak that includes a 2-1 win over Atlético Madrid and 11 goals scored in their last two matches. Luis Enrique may be leaving at the end of the season but it certainly didn’t sound as if he’s ready to throw the towel in during his pregame press conference:
Even if we concede a goal, we’re capable of scoring six. We have done it on other occasions against other opponents. Our first-leg deficit shouldn’t put us off our game.–Luis Enrique, PSG.fr
As unlikely as a Barca comeback may be, Unai Emery needs to prepare his team as if the first match never happened. Sitting back to protect their lead while the hosts pick them apart is not a smart strategy. Paris need to be prepared to counter and keep possession for the full 90 minutes. Fortunately, the former Sevilla FC manager will nearly have his entire squad available with the exception of Thiago Motta (injury) and Gonçalo Guedes (ineligible). The team has also put together a decent string of results themselves since February 14, including a 5-1 road win against rivals Olympique de Marseille.
The easiest way for the reigning French champions to squash any hope the Catalan club may have is to score an away goal. As much as Enrique may believe his team is capable of scoring six, Kevin Trapp, Thiago Silva, and a stout PSG defense are not likely to be beaten that many times. Paris have multiple players in good goal-scoring form but look for Edinson Cavani to be the one making the most noise. El Matador is one of the most deadly strikers in Europe at the moment with 27 goals in Ligue 1 and it’s his league form that will likely propel PSG into the quarterfinals:
It’s true that, for the players, the Champions League is a fantastic competition. But to be competitive in these matches, you have to play the same way as you do in the league and the domestic cup competitions. That’s the best way to be ready for the big European nights.–Edinson Cavani, PSG.fr
Other players to keep your eye on include Adrian Rabiot and Javier Pastore. Rabiot was absolutely brilliant during the first leg and it will be interesting to see if the young Frenchman can repeat his performance on the biggest stage. Pastore, who made a late appearance against the Spanish champions last time out, has improved his match fitness after a long injury spell and has looked very much like his old self. Emery may opt to bring him off the bench once again but he can be a real difference-maker should PSG have trouble keeping possession.
Starting XI Prediction
(4-3-3) Trapp; Kurzawa, Silva, Marquinhos, Meunier; Matuidi, Verratti, Rabiot; Draxler, Cavani, Di Maria
The only change from the side that demolished Barcelona is Silva for Presnel Kimpembe. The youngster performed well beyond his years but you can’t start him over a healthy O Monstro. Should things start to unravel quickly for PSG, look for Pastore to make an early appearance off the bench and if a late goal is needed, Lucas Moura’s pace could kickstart the offense.
Score Prediction
FCB 2-1 PSG
Barcelona will get two goals early to light up the Camp Nou (and Twitter) but a second-half blast from Cavani should quiet things down. PSG win the tie 5-2 on aggregate.
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Emery crapped the bed on this one! He has noone to blame but himself. Had we employed the same tactics we used in the first leg we would have had a good chance to win the match and certainly the tie.
He did exactly what you said he shouldn’t and now has become a meme along with the club.
Hard to argue with you. We’ll have a recap up shortly but we’re all devastated over the result.