Enrique's Dilemma Wins on Catalan Land

Barcelona, ​​Beritasatu.com – Hosts Barcelona have a less difficult task when they host Paris Saint Germain (PSG) when the two clash legs 2 Champions League quarter-finals at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, Wednesday (17/4/2024) at 02.00 WIB. Blaugrana just need to avoid defeat to get a ticket to the semifinals.

In legs First, Barcelona won 3-2 through braces from Raphinha and Andreas Christensen. while PSG responded through Ousmane Dembele and Vitinha. Dembele was in the spotlight because of his goal celebration, considering he used to play for Los Cules.

The Catalan team certainly hopes that the home match factor can provide an advantage. Especially because this season, Barca always wins at home when competing in the Champions League. Royal Antwerp, Shakhtar Donetsk, Porto and Napoli are teams that have experienced the awesomeness of the Olimpic Lluis Companys.

The victory over Cadiz last weekend also increased the confidence of Xavi Hernandez's team. Achievement of three points makes Azulgrana in a series of 13 unbeaten matches with 10 wins and three draws. In fact, Barca is now on a six-game winning streak.

In contrast to Barcelona, ​​PSG failed to win in their last two matches. It could be said that the appearance of this Paris club is unstable. Won three times and one draw and one loss each. Of course it's not good capital against Barca.

Plus, it is doubtful that PSG star Kylian Mbappe will be able to give 100% of his ability in the next match. In the last few months, since Mbappe was reported to be grumpy, Coach Luis Enrique has rarely played this French player for 90 minutes.

Apart from internal problems, Luis Enrique is not an ordinary coach. Enrique is a coach who knows Barcelona inside and out, including Xavi Hernandez, who was once one of his players when he led them El Barca reach treble winner in the 2014/15 season.

This match will be a real hot reunion for Enrique because he will face his former club at their great headquarters and in front of their supporters. It's not surprising that Enrique's mentality is a little torn. Because Barca is a club that is always in his heart. Despite the dilemma, Enrique is still determined to bring it Les Parisiens won on Catalan soil.

Not to mention that PSG benefited from more rest and preparation time because last week they did not compete on the domestic stage. Another advantage, Barcelona lost Andreas Christensen and Sergi Roberto who were serving suspensions.

On the other hand, PSG can return to playing Achraf Hakimi. Last week, the Moroccan defender did not play because he was banned from competing due to accumulated yellow cards. However, Presnel Kimpembe and Layvin Kurzawa are still unable to play due to injury.

This match is predicted to be a tight and interesting match because both teams are trying hard to advance to the semifinals of the Champions League. PSG will try to reverse the deficit from the first leg in this match. The danger posed by Mbappe and Dembele is something Barcelona's back line should be wary of.

Estimated line-up

Barcelona: Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsi, Joao Cancelo, Frenkie de Jong, Ilkay Gundogan, Pedri, Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski

PSG: Gianluigi Donnarumma, Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Lucas Beraldo, Lucas Hernandez, Fabian Ruiz, Vitinha, Warren Zaire-Emery, Ousmane Dembele, Kylian Mbappe, Goncalo Ramos