They too dream bigger. After failing several times in recent years, FC Barcelona once again wants to lift the Champions League trophy. To achieve this, the Camp Nou residents still have many obstacles to overcome before reaching the tournament final. The first one is Paris Saint-Germain. Wednesday evening at the Parc des Princes, the Catalans will therefore challenge the Parisians in the first leg quarter-final of the UEFA Champions League, before meeting again approximately a week later at the Olympic Stadium in Montjuic.
If the Culés are not favorites against Luis Enrique’s PSG and Kylian Mbappé, they will not present themselves as victims on Wednesday evening. Moreover, Xavi already has a battle plan in mind to outdo the French champions. According to the latest echoes from the locker room, sport reveals that the Spanish coach will be “brave” and will field an offensive lineup, when it could have been expected that he would shut down against the Parisian attack. For the number 9 position, the experienced Robert Lewandowski will be up front.
Attacking strongly against WZE
To assist him, he can rely on Lamine Yamal on the right, and Raphinha on the left. The Brazilian, whose preferred position is not this one, has the favor of his coach. Xavi had bet on this trio against Naples in the Champions League Round of 16 second leg and against Las Palmas in La Liga on March 30. This does not benefit João Félix or Ferran Torres, who could have been possible starters in the lineup. But Raphinha will not hesitate to make defensive efforts while attacking strongly against Warren Zaïre-Emery, who will replace Achraf Hakimi (suspended). The idea will be to insist on this side with a player who is not a specialist in the position.
Yamal will have to do the same to help his team against Kylian Mbappé, Nuno Mendes & co. In midfield, Ilkay Gündogan will be pulling the strings. The German should be supported by Sergi Roberto and Andreas Christensen to solidify the midfield. Behind, the defensive quartet will be composed of Jules Koundé, Ronald Araujo Pau Cubarsi and João Cancelo. If during the match Xavi needs fresh blood and more character, Iñigo Martínez is ready. The same goes for the midfield with Fermín López or Frenkie de Jong, who is back from injury. Xavi, who is expected to opt for a 4-3-3 formation, has a well-defined plan in mind according to sport. It remains to be seen whether he will modify it at the last minute with one or more surprises.
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