FC Barcelona is looking to earn their spots in the semi-finals of the Champions League, with a win over Paris Saint-Germain. Coming into this match, Barcelona has a one-goal lead against PSG, but a one-goal lead is not a safe lead. Barcelona are confident coming into this match, as they are currently on a five-game winning run. Due to this run, Barcelona are confident that they could pull-off a win here, and earn their spots. Meanwhile, for PSG, this is a must-win situation for them, as this is their only chance to earn their semis spot. Additionally, PSG‘s recent matches is underwhelming, which may affect their momentum in this match. The meeting between these two teams is on April 17, 2024, at 3:00 AM (GMT+8).
FC Barcelona
Barcelona’s recent form since Xavi’s departure has been impressive, with 13 games unbeaten and 10 wins in all competitions. Despite the hope that Xavi will stay, the focus now is on the rest of the campaign as Barcelona fights for two trophies. Barcelona entered the match against Real Madrid with a 3-2 advantage, following their elimination in the group stage of both the 2021-22 and 2022-23 Champions League tournaments. They have not progressed past the quarter-finals since 2018-19 and their last final appearance was in 2015, overcoming Juventus to win the trophy. Barcelona leads the overall head-to-head against PSG, having six wins against the French outfit’s four. They have been victorious in each of their last four league games. Real Madrid has an eight-point advantage over second-placed Barcelona ahead of El Clasico next weekend.
Barcelona is missing Gavi and Alejandro Balde due to long-term injuries, with no further fitness concerns. The squad is boosted by Cancelo, Martinez, and Lewandowski. However, two players got banned for the match. Pedri, Cubarsi, and Yamal will start here.
Paris Saint-Germain
PSG, a top-tier club in Ligue 1, has not played since the first leg of the competition, with their last game being a 1-1 draw against Clermont. They are currently 10 points clear at the top of the table, but the Champions League is their main goal. Despite their poor performance in the group stage, they managed to finish second behind Borussia Dortmund and secure a 4-1 win over Real Sociedad in the round of 16. PSG has only made the semi-finals in 2020-21 and the final in 2019-20, but two of their last three tournaments ended in the round of 16. The winner will face either Atletico Madrid or Borussia Dortmund for a position in the final. The team is aware of the challenge they face against Barcelona, but both sides would have wanted to be in this position.
PSG’s sidelines include Presnel Kimpembe, Layvin Kurzawa, and Sergio Rico, while Nordi Mukiele is assessed due to a head injury. Achraf Hakimi returns as right-back, and Goncalo Ramos and Warren Zaire-Emery may be introduced. Ousmane Dembele and Mbappe will line up, with Marco Asensio likely to drop out.
Prediction:
FC Barcelona (1.5)
Odds: -0.85
FC Barcelona to win on 4-2 on aggregate
Ready to play?
You may place your bets for the Champions League match between FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain at Nova88, Asia’s largest and most trusted Online Casino Malaysia. Join and play now!
