Barcelona are set to embark on one of the most daunting tasks that have never happened ever in Champions League football when they face Paris Saint Germain in Camp Nou on Wednesday to overturn a massive 4-0 deficit.
No team has ever managed to overturn 4-0 in European football and the chances for the Blaugrana look very bleak. However, considering their current form in the league, the fans believe that the Catalans can overcome to make a historic comeback.
The Spanish giants have scored 11 goals in their last 2 La Liga games and have looked much better than they have played in the recent months. With Luis Enrique, stepping down at the end of the season, Barcelona would be keen to make the most of the season as the Spaniard is determined to keep them in hunt across all the three competitions.
Team News:
Barcelona will have a near full squad for the key game against PSG as they are set to give it all to influence the result in their favor. However, Luis Enrique will head into the clash without right back Aleix Vidal and Jeremy Mathieu.
Predicted Lineup:
Barcelona will need to commit as many men as they can spare in the attack to score at least four goals to force the game into extra time. However, they will also need to ensure that they shut down PSG completely at the back which looked clearly impossible from the sights of the first leg.
The Catalans are set to start with the best possible XI as they want to remain tactically flexible in the high profile encounter. Here we look at the predicted line up for Barcelona against PSG on Wednesday night.
Barcelona (4-3-3): Ter Stegen; Roberto, Umtiti, Pique, Alba; Rakitic, Busquets, Iniesta; Neymar, Suarez, Messi
Key Stats:
- No team has ever managed to overcome a 4-0 defeat in a two legged tie in Champions League football history.
- The 4-0 defeat of Barcelona was their heaviest defeat in European football which also equals their 4-0 drubbing in Allianz Arena in 2013.
- The last time Barcelona have failed to reach the quarterfinals was ten years ago in 2006-07 season after being defeated by Liverpool.
Player To Watch
Luis Suarez
Despite all the aura on Lionel Messi and Neymar, Suarez is the bug game player for Barcelona since he moved to Camp Nou. With a lot of focus shifted on to Messi in the key game, Suarez could use the chance to make the difference from the centre of the pitch.
Prediction: Barcelona 3-1 PSG
Kick-off Time: 9 March (01:15 IST)