The preview: Paris-Barcelona

FOCUS on the two routes to the quarter-Final

Despite being drawn in a particularly tough group, Les Parisiens managed to secure their 12th consecutive qualification for the UEFA Champions League knockout phase, notably thanks to prestigious victories at the Parc des Princes over Borussia Dortmund (2-0) and AC Milan (3-0). After finishing second in their group, Les Rouge et Bleu faced their first Spanish opponent in the Round of 16: Real Sociedad. Against the Basques, the club from the capital didn't falter as they won 2-0 at home before securing a 2-1 victory on Iberian soil, and in doing so took home their ticket for the quarter-finals of the competition.

On the other hand, FC Barcelona also found themselves in a very evenly matched group, alongside FC Porto, Shakhtar Donetsk and Royal Antwerp. Unbeatable at home with 3 victories in as many matches, the Blaugranas accumulated a total of 12 points and secured the top spot in their group. However, Barcelona were not given an easy ticket in the Round of 16 as they had to overcome Napoli. After securing a draw in Italy (1-1), the Catalans left no chance for Napoli in the return leg with a convincing 3-1 victory, allowing them to progress to the quarter-finals.

THE FORM IN NUMBERS

At the Parc des Princes on Wednesday night, Paris Saint-Germain will attempt to win their 10th match out of their last 13 home games in the Champions League (2 draws, 1 loss). During this period, the club from the capital has found the back of the net on 28 occasions, averaging more than 2 goals per game. And to open the deadlock against Barcelona, Paris will look to Kylian Mbappé, who is the 3rd highest scorer in the history of the competition against the Catalans with 4 goals, behind Andriy Shevchenko (5) and Thomas Müller (8). The French forward has scored in each of his last 7 Champions League matches against a Spanish team, scoring a total of 10 goals in these encounters.

But the Spaniards will also be able to rely on high-performing individuals in the competition this season, notably with Ilkay Gündogan in midfield, who is the player with the most successful passes breaking the opponent's defensive line (19). Behind him, the very young Pau Cubarsí could become the youngest defender to start a Champions League quarter-final, at the age of 17 years and 79 days. In his last match against Napoli in the previous round, he was the Barcelona player with the best successful passes ratio (61/68) and the highest number of passes breaking at least an opponent's line (14). Finally, in attack, it's Raphinha who has been decisive on multiple occasions so far, as the Brazilian international has picked up no less than 4 assists during this Champions League campaign: no player has done better.

ThE OPPOSITION's Strengths 

Xavi Hernandez and his team primarily employ a 4-3-3. In goal, German international Marc-André ter Stegen is undisputed. With a save percentage of 75% this season in the Champions League, the Barcelona goalkeeper consistently proves himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the world. In front of him, another world-class reference should start in the central pairing, Ronald Araujo. Alongside the Uruguayan international, the newly capped Spain international Pau Cubarsí (17 years old) is expected to be preferred over his compatriot Iñigo Martínez. In the right-back position, France international Jules Koundé is an unquestionable starter.

On the other side of defence, the Catalan staff has more options, but the experienced João Cancelo is expected to be preferred over Marcos Alonso and the promising Héctor Fort (17 years old), while Alejandro Balde remains injured. In midfield, Barcelona will be able to rely on several probable returns: Andreas Christensen and Frenkie de Jong in a more defensive role, but also Pedri (2 goals and 4 assists in all competitions this season). However, the latter may not be able to start, which would reinforce the presence of İlkay Gündoğan (5 goals, 10 assists) or even Sergi Roberto (3 goals, 2 assists). Fermín López (6 goals, 1 assist) and Oriol Romeu are starting from even further behind, while Gavi is already ruled out for both matches.

In attack, the Blaugranas have no shortage of choices either. Through the middle, the indispensable Robert Lewandowski (20 goals, 9 assists) is expected to start, with Vitor Roque as an alternative on the bench. But it's on the wings that the Spanish coach could surprise us. On the right flank, raw talent Lamine Yamal (6 goals, 7 assists) seems to be favoured, while Ferran Torres (11 goals, 4 assists) also represents a plausible option. Having experience in Ligue 1, Raphinha (6 goals, 10 assists) is also in contention to start and the Brazilian international can play on both wings. But on the left side, another dynamic winger intends to play his part: João Félix (9 goals, 6 assists). FC Barcelona will therefore travel to the French capital with multiple options up their sleeve on Wednesday.