Their 3-2 win over Paris Saint Germain in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals means FC Barcelona are the favorites to progress to the semi-finals from this tie.
However, with only a single-goal lead, nothing is certain at the moment, and the second leg of this tie, which is scheduled for this coming Tuesday, will determine which of these two teams actually goes into the next round.
FC Barcelona will start this game with a one-goal advantage, but PSG will be full of hopes of overcoming the deficit as they will have a key star back available. As SPORT has noted, Achraf Hakimi, Luis Enrique’s first-choice right-back, is set to return to the PSG starting lineup for this all-important clash.
The Moroccan international was suspended for the first leg, and his absence was keenly felt by Luis Enrique’s side. Raphinha was able to wreak havoc in PSG’s defensive lines in Hakimi’s absence, and Enrique will be particularly looking forward to his return as he has been a starter in every UCL game this season.
Furthermore, Achraf’s return will also allow the Brazilian defender Marquinhos to play in his favored centre-back position, and will accompany Lucas Hernandez to put up a formidable block to limit Barcelona’s attacking moves. Hakimi and Nuno Mendes are expected to complete the PSG backline by taking up their positions on the flanks.
In addition to Hakimi’s return, there are two other changes expected in Luis Enrique’s starting lineup for this match. Firstly, Zaire-Emery is likely to take a starting spot in the midfield, while Bradley Barcola is also expected to be a part of the PSG attack.
Thus, Barcelona will have an even more stern test awaiting them this Tuesday, than the one they passed with flying colors in Paris. However, this time, the Catalans will be playing at Montjuic stadium, and hopefully will be able to make their advantage count and advance to the semi-finals in front of their fans.