PSG vs Barcelona: Three things to look out for
This promises to be an exciting match with a lot of goals. Barcelona has been scoring goals for fun this season, and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has just as much firepower. Here are three things to look out for in this match.
Lamine Yamal vs Nuno Mendes replacement
Except you’ve been living under a rock, you already know how good Mendes is. The issue is that he’s out injured, and PSG would have needed him to deal with the threat of Lamine Yamal. Yamal has been tearing up the LaLiga and Champions League.
The responsibility then falls on whoever will be stepping in for the unavailable Mendes. Whoever it is, he has a chance to be known as the guy who stifles Yamal. It will not be easy, but it’s the job he has.
Yamal, for his part, is likely to have a big game anyway, just because of the quality he possesses. He has created four big chances and made 10 key passes in two Champions League games. His numbers are equally outrageous in the league. Stopping him would be important for getting a result here.
Who wins the midfield battle?
Both Hansi Flick and Luis Enrique recognize the value of exceptional midfields. The PSG manager has three superb central midfielders in Vitinha, Joao Neves, and Fabian Ruiz. The Barcelona gaffer got himself Rodri from Manchester City this season, showing that he too wants to control games through from the center of the pack.
Both PSG and Barca have controlled games this season, but the latter has done a much better job of it. Barca has won all their games, but PSG sits in second place in its domestic league, having won four out of seven games.
The team that controls the midfield in this game will likely get the better chances.
A statement from PSG
PSG may not be able to, but they’d want to make a statement. You see, PSG has won the Champions League in two consecutive seasons. However, Barcelona is the team to beat at the moment, and PSG will not have an easy time against them.
READ ALSO: Brentford vs Chelsea: 5 players that should interest you
A resounding victory for PSG in this match will show that they are still the power to contend with in the Champions League. Of course, you could say that Barcelona is due a loss, but it’s difficult to inflict one on Flick’s men, not least because they just railroad most of their opponents.
This is the kind of fixture that fans expected to be seeing a lot of, with this new format, and you cannot say UEFA has disappointed. Keep in mind that Enrique was the last manager to win the Champions League for Barca, and this season, he’s chasing the third consecutive Champions League title.