PSG vs Barcelona prediction: EUROPE: Champions League – Play Offs betting tips on match 2024-04-09 19:00.
[p]Two of Europe’s heavyweights clash in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals this season as Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique leads the French champions into battle against his old club Barcelona. Enrique was in charge of the Spanish giants when they completed their famous comeback in March 2017 at PSG’s expense, becoming the first side to ever overturn a 4+ goal deficit in a two-legged tie in this competition, but this time around, he’ll look to orchestrate a first semi-final appearance for the Parisians since 2020/21.  [/p]
[p]Despite cantering towards another Ligue 1 title this campaign, PSG’s preparations for this first leg were marred by a 1-1 draw with rock-bottom Clermont at the weekend, a game in which they only netted an 85th minute equalsier. That result made it more draws than wins over their past five outings at Parc des Princes as a result (W2, D3), whilst a return of just one clean sheet in that time highlights their defensive instability of late. [/p]
[p]That’ll come as music to the ears of visiting Barça, who take part in their first Champions League quarter final tie since August 2020 when they were on the end of an 8-2 thrashing against Bayern Munich – their heaviest defeat in this competition. A chance for redemption rears its head here though, and after winning their last four competitive outings in succession – three without conceding – Xavi’s side arrive in the French capital full of confidence.  [/p]
[p]Meeting PSG for the sixth time in the knockout stages of this tournament – the third-most played such fixture – will come with its tests though, and even with a current five-match away unbeaten run in all competitions under their belts (W3, D2), the reigning Spanish champions will have to be at their very best here given they’ve won just one of their prior six away H2Hs (D2, L3). [/p]
[p]Key battle: Two of Europe’s most formidable strikers face off here as Kylian Mbappé, who has struck 40 goals in 60 competitions appearances for PSG, including four in two H2Hs, goes head-to-head with Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski, the third all-time top scorer in Champions League history (94 goals in 118 apps).[/p]
[p]Hot stat: Barcelona have won just one of their last eleven away Champions League matches in the knockout stages of the competition (D5, L5).[/p]