Xavi Analyzes Barcelona’s Champions League Quarter-Final Draw Against PSG

In anticipation of their upcoming Champions League quarter-final showdown, Barcelona’s head coach, Xavi Hernandez, has weighed in on the matchup against Paris Saint-Germain, expressing his view that PSG holds the edge as favorites. Despite Barcelona’s illustrious history in the competition, having clinched the title five times, Xavi acknowledges PSG’s formidable strength and financial prowess in comparison to his own club’s resources.

Xavi’s assessment is rooted in PSG’s recent performances and their formidable squad, spearheaded by the electrifying Kylian Mbappe. The French champions demonstrated their dominance over Barcelona in the 2020/21 season, securing a convincing aggregate victory in the last 16 stage. However, Xavi remains undaunted, drawing inspiration from Barcelona’s historic comeback against PSG in the 2016-17 season, where they overturned a 4-0 away defeat with a stunning 6-1 victory at Camp Nou.

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The Barcelona coach also pays tribute to PSG’s head coach, Luis Enrique, under whom he previously played. Luis Enrique, who guided Barcelona to Champions League glory in 2015, is regarded as a brilliant tactician, adding an extra layer of complexity to the upcoming clash. Despite the formidable challenge posed by PSG, Xavi maintains optimism and confidence in his team’s abilities, emphasizing the importance of translating their potential into on-field performance.

Looking ahead to their La Liga encounter against Atletico Madrid, Xavi acknowledges the formidable challenge posed by Diego Simeone’s side. Atletico Madrid’s recent success in the Champions League, coupled with their strong domestic form, underscores the magnitude of the task facing Barcelona. Nevertheless, Xavi remains resolute, emphasizing the need for Barcelona to maintain their momentum and capitalize on their strengths in the pursuit of victory.

As the Champions League quarter-final looms, Barcelona’s focus is firmly set on overcoming PSG’s challenge and advancing to the next stage of the competition. With the first leg scheduled to take place in Paris, followed by the return leg at the iconic Camp Nou, Barcelona aims to harness the energy of their home crowd to secure a favorable result. Amidst the anticipation and excitement surrounding the fixture, Xavi’s strategic acumen and belief in his team’s abilities serve as guiding principles as Barcelona prepares for their Champions League quest.