Do Catalans have Strength to Write History?
The Champions League is back as Catalans welcome PSG in the 2nd leg of CL round 16 at Camp Nou.
Barcelona has been shaky throughout this season with their over-dependency in stars. Sometimes Messi single-handedly carried Barca over the line. However, the turning point of the season was when PSG humiliated Barca at Parc des Princes in the 1st leg. Despite the talent on the pitch, PSG simply dominated the match. Sometimes a team needs a game that well might tell them how bad they have been performing.
That’s what happened against PSG. It was a game that showed all flaws of a team and their very obvious over-dependency on Messi. There were strong reactions from all fans and the players were also frustrated after such result. It took a little time to get on the track but in last 2 league games, it was pleasant to see the Catalans slowly getting back at their best.
Speaking about the away side, they did everything right in the first leg as the results suggest. They were tactically superb and outplayed Catalans in every area of the game. Unai Emery’s men now have a huge advantage when they take on FCB at Camp Nou. The team hasn’t been in greatest of form but they have done enough to have maximum chances of going past this Barca side. Edinson Cavani has been their key weapon in CL with 7 goals from same no of matches this season.
With the likes of Draxler and Di Maria, PSG are good going forward. The midfield will again revolve around Marco Verratti and Matuidi who were skillful in the 1st leg. With the return of Thiago Silva, the defense will have its all bases covered. The Ligue 1 team might be without Thiago Motta who is injured and Rabiot who is doubtful for this game. Even though PSG just edged past Nancy by 1-0 in League 1, they will be confident having a huge lead from 1st leg.
The home side looks determined to give it everything at Camp Nou as several players are keen to turn it around. The devastating form of Messi and the midfield display from FCB in the last few games is a reason to worry for PSG. In addition, the Catalans are on a roll as they scored 11 goals and conceded just once in their last 2 games. A team having Messi who has netted 10 goals in 6 matches and Neymar who is the top goal creator with 7 assists in CL can do miracles.
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With Rakitic and Busquets in fine form, the midfield is looking dangerous again. In addition to that, Enrique has tried out 3-4-3 formation which has been proving worthy in recent games. Apart from injuries to Mathieu and Vidal, Lucho has everyone at his disposal. FCB was clinical in thrashing Celta Vigo by 5-0 on Saturday and that will boost their confidence.
Even though it looks like an interesting game it will be tough for Barca to win the tie. As Lucho said earlier it is almost impossible to turn this around. However, the hopes will be high after recent performances. In CL history, no team has ever overturned such defeat in a knockout tie. Despite the odds, it will be a test of fire for any team to change the history but Catalans are capable of doing it.
The only time PSG eliminated Barca in CL was way back in 1994-95 quarters. This all just adds to the big match coming up on Wednesday as it will be a thrilling encounter given the form of 2 teams. For me, the tie is almost over but with Messi in the team, the home side can hope for a miracle. Still, I will go with Barca win by 3-1 goal difference.