Paris Saint-Germain v Barcelona – Match Preview and Betting Tip
The serious business in the Champions League gets underway this week, as the last eight teams head off against each other. Despite an absence of English clubs, the final eight teams in this year’s competition comprise the usual heavyweights. This fixture features two of them, with arguably the best team in Europe, Barcelona, facing the huge spending power and star-encrusted squad of Paris Saint-Germain.
Barca gave indication in their previous Champions League fixture of what they are capable of when they are on their game, as they battered AC Milan by four goals to nil, turning around a two goal deficit from the first-leg. This was a withering indication to the rest of Europe that Barca intend to reclaim the Champions League crown this season, and they will begin as significant favourites for this tie, despite PSG’s excellent squad and promising defeat of Valencia in the previous round.
Another subplot in this particular tie is the coming together of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and his former club, that he left so acrimoniously to join AC Milan. Ibra had a fairly unhappy and unsuccessful period in Barcelona, and at times looked a slightly awkward figure within Barcelona’s slick passing game. Since leaving the Catalan giants, the Swedish centre-forward has completely restored his reputation, rattling in goals for both Milan and now PSG. And he has spoken in explicitly critical terms of his former club and of his treatment there, and will undoubtedly be determined to put a dent in their ambitions for this campaign.
With a thirteen point gap at the top of the Premier League, Barcelona had the luxury of resting almost all of their key players for their 2-2 draw with Celta Vigo, and will recall the likes of Xavi, Iniesta, Villa and Alba for this tie. PSG are unlikely to make too many changes from the team that beat Montpellier 1-0 on Friday evening.
Previous Meetings
14th May, 2025 – Club World Cup final – Barcelona 1-0 Paris Saint-Germain
1st March, 2025 – Champions League – Barcelona 1 – 1 Paris Saint-Germain
15th March, 2025 – Champions League – Paris Saint-Germain 2 – 1 Barcelona
Paris Saint-Germain (possible 4-2-3-1)
Sirigu
Jallet • Alex • Thiago Silva • Maxwell
Verratti • Motta
Menez • Pastore • Lavezzi
Ibrahimovic
Barcelona (possible 4-3-3)
Valdés
Alves • Piqué • Mascherano • Alba
Xavi • Busquets • Iniesta
Pedro • Messi • Villa
Betting Prediction
Both sides are well capable of winning this game, but I feel that Barcelona have got their mojo back in recent weeks. The partnership between David Villa and Lionel Messi has looked particularly promising, and it seems certain that Barca will line up with Xavi and Iniesta at the hub of their midfield, meaning that PSG will have a tough time getting hold of the ball in this game. I have to back Barcelona to edge this one, despite the fact that PSG are a formidable team, and are well capable of upsetting Barca as Milan did in the previous round.
Final Scoreline Prediction:Paris Saint-Germain 1 – 2 Barcelona
Other Recommended Bets: Over 2.5 Goals, Both Teams to Score and Lionel Messi to be First Goalscorer.
Loading ...