We’re at the stage of the Champions League where every game promises to be entertaining, but certainly none more so than that between Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona. Both sides have surprisingly struggled in domestic competition so far this season, but can claim to squads littered with some of the world’s top talent. It should make for some gripping viewing.
Paris Saint-Germain vs. Barcelona, Champions League draw 2016: Titans clash in tasty tie
Two of Europe’s biggest sides will meet in the Champions League’s first knockout round.
Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images
Paris Saint-Germain
If Paris Saint-Germain supporters thought the summer arrival of coach Unai Emery would rectify the flaws that stopped them from emerging as serious Champions League contenders under Laurent Blanc, they were sadly mistaken. It has been a surprisingly difficult start to the season for PSG, who find themselves four points adrift of French league leaders Nice, and who drew three of their European group games to progress only as runners-up.
That said, PSG remain an undoubtedly talented side, and Emery is a good coach. They’re still a side that none of the group winners will want to draw in the next round. In Marco Verratti they have one of the planet’s foremost creative talents, while the sheer industry of Blaise Matuidi and Ángel Di María is matched only by their productivity. Striker Edinson Cavani may have been inconsistent in the past, but has stepped up to the plate since the departure of star man Zlatan Ibrahimović in the summer, scoring 20 goals in as many appearances. They may not yet be a great team, but they’re certainly a good one.
How they got here: PSG were left kicking themselves on the final group stage matchday, having drawn 2-2 against Ludogorets to cede top spot to Arsenal. However, they remain unbeaten in European competition this season.
Key player: Marco Verratti. The Italian international has been around so long it’s hard to believe he’s still only 24, and still with room to improve. He’s an outstanding creative force from deep in midfield, and the mere fact that comparisons to the legendary Andrea Pirlo aren’t completely ridiculous are testament to Verratti’s talent.
Barcelona
An obscure club from the Catalan coast, Barcelona's surprise run to the knockout stages of the Champions League has ... oh, fine. Barcelona are Barcelona. Still. They have Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Luis Suarez to score the goals; they have Andres Iniesta to pass them the ball; and they always have somebody you've never really heard of at fullback but it never seems to make any difference.
That said, they haven't quite been at their monstrous best this season. At least, not consistently. In Europe, Manchester City rolled them over at the Etihad, and back in Spain, they're six points behind Real Madrid and have been beaten by Alaves and Celta Vigo. This puts them right at the sweet spot between "extremely intimidating" and "potentially vulnerable," to encourage the opposition to have a go, and will ensure that we'll either get an upset or a total wrecking. Hooray!
How they got here: With five excellent wins and one slightly surprising loss. The 7-0 shattering of Celtic stands out as the obvious highlight, along with the fact that Messi scored 10 goals over the six group games, which is just silly.
Key player: In an attempt to keep things interesting, we’re going to go with Not Messi, or as he’s better known, Andres Iniesta. The translucent playmaker has been missing with injury recently and Barcelona’s midfield becomes a notably stodgy place in his absence.
Prediction
In spite of having been a little off-color so far this season, no one in world football can boast a better attack than Barcelona’s. Their lethal front there can make mincemeat of opposing defenses when they’re in the mood, and they head into this tie as favorites. Barça to progress.
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