Implementing changes, Paris Saint-Germain’s manager, Luis Enrique, introduced Bradley Barcola, Warren Zaire-Emery, and Achraf Hakimi to his starting XI on Tuesday as they aimed to overturn the first-leg deficit against Barcelona in the quest for a spot in the Champions League semi-final.
In the alterations, Barcola took the place of Marco Asensio in the attack, Hakimi made his return from suspension, and Zaire-Emery replaced Lee Kang-in from the previous 3-2 defeat in the quarter-final held in Paris.
The striking duo of Kylian Mbappe and former Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele spearheaded the attack, with PSG set to apply pressure right from the beginning as per the strategy of their Spanish coach, who previously guided Barcelona to Champions League glory in 2015.
On the other side, Barcelona, who are five-time Champions League winners but last claimed the trophy in that same year, opted for Pedri in midfield to fill the void left by the suspended Sergi Roberto.
Although Pedri displayed an impressive performance coming off the bench in the previous match, there were doubts about his fitness to last the entire 90 minutes due to his recent recovery from injury.
Xavi, Barcelona’s coach, maintained faith in the rest of the squad that secured one of the club’s notable recent European triumphs, hoping they can guide the team to the semi-finals for the first time since 2019.
Two teenage talents, Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi, were handed starting berths, becoming the youngest pair to feature in the quarter-finals of the competition just a week ago.
Line-ups:
Barcelona (4-3-3)
Marc-Andre ter Stegen (capt); Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsi, Joao Cancelo; Frenkie de Jong, Ilkay Gundogan, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha
Coach: Xavi Hernandez (ESP)
Paris Saint-Germain (4-3-3)
Gianluigi Donnarumma; Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos (capt), Lucas Hernandez, Nuno Mendes; Warren Zaire-Emery, Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz; Ousmane Dembele, Kylian Mbappe, Bradley Barcola
Coach: Luis Enrique (ESP)
Referee: Istvan Kovacs (ROU)
AFP