Barcelona vs PSG tips and predictions: Kylian Mbappe swan song to spark historic comeback
- George Dempsey
- 15 April 2024
Barcelona have a one-goal lead against PSG in the Champions League but we’re backing the visitors to avenge 2017 with a comeback of their own this Tuesday night (2000 BST).
Barcelona defied expectations by defeating PSG at the Parc des Princes last, with Raphinha’s brace helping to end the French side's 27-match unbeaten streak.
The Spaniards have been a thorn in the Parisians' side ever since they started their quest to lift the Champions League trophy, even overturning a 4-0 deficit to eliminate them in 2017.
However, Kylian Mbappe's clinical hat trick spearheaded their revenge in 2021 but they would later meet their match in eventual finalists Man City.
Last Tuesday’s loss could mark the beginning of the end of an era in Paris with Mbappe set to depart for Real Madrid this summer.
The hosts are the bookie's favourite to add to their 3-2 lead but the current crop of Catalonians aren’t at a level that convinces us this tie is over.
Barcelona have advanced from all 13 Champions League ties in which they have won the first leg away from home, so the odds are stacked against the visitors.
With that in mind, we want to back PSG to win. Hear us out.
Luis Enrique’s team selection looked questionable and despite dominating the ball, PSG failed to create quality chances and were cut open far too easily.
Manuel Ugarte is expected to start and would add some steel to the midfield, while Achraf Hakimi’s return offers a threat in wide areas and allows Marquinhos to return to centre-back.
The venue change should swing possession in favour of Xavi’s side and could play to the visitor's strengths on the break.
Team news
Gavi and Alejandro Balde are ruled out due to injury.
Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski will continue in attack but Luis Enrique may shuffle the pack in midfield by handing Gavi a start.
The visitors will be without Presnel Kimbembe, Sergio Rico, Layvin Kurzawa and Nordi Mukiele.
The return of Achraf Hakimi allows PSG to make a significant tactical shift with Marquinhos starting in defence and Manuel Ugarte in front of him.
Key stats
- There have been over 2.5 goals in eight of 11 meetings
- Both teams have scored in Barcelona’s last five Champions League matches
- PSG have scored in all nine Champions League matches this season
- Kylian Mbappe has scored four goals in three meetings with Barcelona
