Barcelona have to make Champions League history if they are to qualify for this season’s quarter finals when they host Paris St. Germain on Wednesday. Barcelona lost 4-0 in Paris in the first leg and looked toothless in the process.
No team has ever overturned a four goal deficit during a second leg match after an away defeat during the knockout rounds, and if they are unable to do so, it’ll be Barcelona’s earliest exit in the competition in a decade.
Manager Luis Enrique has already announced that he’ll be leaving his post at the end of the season and speculation is rife as to who will be his replacement. In the meantime though, he made a tactical change at the weekend, playing a 3-4-3, with Lionel Messi in midfield. The aim of which was to get Messi on the ball with Luis Suarez and Neymar ahead of him. The tactical change worked to perfection as Barcelona strolled to a 5-0 victory over Celta Vigo.
On the other hand, Paris St. Germain are in fine form, despite being three points behind Ligue 1 leaders Monaco. PSG are unbeaten in 16 games, winning 14 and drawing two and haven’t conceded four goals in any match this season.
Barcelona vs. Paris St. Germain Predictions
Barcelona could easily win on the night and potentially even score four goals, however their defence isn’t strong enough to keep PSG out, meaning that the Parisians will get an away goal. If Messi, Neymar and Suarez all perform, then they could easily score three or four goals, however PSG are solid at the back and have an overwhelming advantage. Edison Cavani is a threat at the other end of the field and could easily catch Barcelona on the break.
Barcelona vs. Paris St. Germain Betting Tips
Barcelona are up against the odds to overturn the tie and qualify for the quarter finals, priced at 9/1, but are 5/11 to win on the night. Paris St. Germain are 11/2 to win at the Camp Nou on Wednesday, while a draw is placed at 15/4.
With Barcelona’s leaky defence, they’re at 5/4 to win and both teams to score, while over 4.5 goals is available at 39/20.
Head to Head
- The only time PSG eliminated Barcelona in the Champions League was in the 1994/95 quarter finals. Since then, Barcelona have won their two knockout encounters with the Parisian club.
- Barcelona’s 4-0 loss in the first leg equalled their heaviest defeat in European competition.
- Barcelona have progressed past the round of 16 in each of the last nine seasons, the longest run ever in the competition.
- PSG have also gone past the round of 16 in each of their previous four campaigns, but have been subsequently knocked out in the quarter finals.
- PSG are winless in their four Champions League away games against Barcelona (D2 L2), but they have never conceded more than three goals in those four trips.
Barcelona Team News
Luis Enrique has close to a full-strength squad to select from for Wednesday’s game. Lionel Messi, Neymar, Luis Suarez and Andres Iniesta are all fit. Aleix Vidal and Jeremy Mathieu are both out with ankle injuries, however the rest of the squad has trained ahead of the match.
Paris St. Germain Team News
Angel Di Maria, who scored twice in the first leg and Thiago Motta are both injury doubts ahead of the game. Adrien Rabiot has recovered from illness and is expected to start for the Ligue 1 champions.
