Paris Saint-Germain to face Barcelona in UEFA Champions League Quarterfinal

Paris Saint-Germain will host Barcelona at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday for the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals. This match marks a reunion between Luis Enrique, the current Paris head coach, and his former teammate Xavi, who now manages Barcelona. 

The two tacticians, both products of La Masia, will engage in a strategic battle on the pitch. In the previous round, PSG secured a 4-1 aggregate victory over Real Sociedad, while Barcelona overcame Napoli with a 4-2 win over two legs. Notably, it has been nine years since Barcelona's last UCL success, which occurred under the leadership of Luis Enrique. Both teams are vying for a spot in the semifinals, with PSG recognizing that this may be their final opportunity to clinch the Champions League title with Kylian Mbappe, who is expected to depart for Real Madrid in the summer. 

Mbappe, who scored three of PSG's four goals against Sociedad, is also dominating the Ligue 1 scoring chart, with the French champions holding a commanding 10-point lead and maintaining an unbeaten streak across 27 games in all competitions. The last encounter between these sides in 2021 saw PSG emerge victorious with an impressive 5-2 aggregate scoreline against Barcelona. Notably, Mbappe delivered a standout performance against Lionel Messi, who has since joined PSG. 

This match also marks Barcelona's first appearance in the UCL quarterfinals since their 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich. Under Xavi's management, Barcelona is currently enjoying an 11-game unbeaten streak across all competitions.

Key Players and Team News

PSG: Mbappe is set to return to the starting lineup, alongside Ousmane Dembele and captain Marquinhos. However, Presnel Kimpembe remains sidelined, while Achraf Hakimi is suspended. Additionally, an injury to Nordi Mukiele may necessitate Warren Zaire-Emery or Marquinhos to fill in at right back. Potential PSG XI: Donnarumma; Zaire-Emery, Marquinhos, Skriniar, Mendes; Lee, Ugarte, Vitinha; Dembele, Ramos, Mbappe. Barcelona: While seven of Xavi's players are at risk of suspension for the second leg, none are ruled out for this match. Gavi and Alejandro Balde are unavailable due to injuries, with Pedri, Andreas Christensen, and Frenkie de Jong potentially returning to the starting XI. Potential Barca XI: Ter Stegen; Kounde, Cubarsi, Araujo, Cancelo; De Jong, Gundogan, Lopez; Yamal, Lewandowski, Raphinha.

Prediction and Viewing Information

This quarterfinal matchup is expected to be closely contested, with both teams boasting commendable recent records. However, PSG's extended period of success and home advantage may provide them with a narrow first-leg lead. The outcome could potentially be a draw, but it's unlikely that the tie will be decided after 90 minutes. Prediction: PSG 2, Barca 1.

Champions League TV Schedule

• Wednesday, April 10
  • CBS Sports Golazo Matchday - 1 p.m. ET
  • UEFA Champions League Today Pre-Match - 2 p.m. ET on CBS, Paramount+
  • Paris Saint-Germain vs. Barcelona - 3 p.m. ET on CBS, Paramount+
  • Atletico Madrid vs. Borussia Dortmund - 3 p.m. ET on Paramount+
  • UEFA Champions League Today Post-Match - 5 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network, Paramount+
  • Scoreline - 5 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Golazo Network
  • The Champions Club - 8 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Golazo Network