Match Preview: Barcelona vs. PSG

Lionel Messi of Barcelona celebrates after scoring during the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal first-leg against Paris Saint-Germain at Parc des Princes on April 2, 2013 in Paris, France. (Getty Images)

Paris Saint-Germain represent the new era of football. Where money (not passion) builds a team and is the cornerstone for success. Barcelona are more traditional: their core is built at home and they play the game the right way. And with a 2-2 deadlock in Paris, this tie is set up nicely.

PSG have come a long way under Carlo Ancelotti’s management. In Paris they took the game to Catalans and struck the post twice before Blaise Matuidi claimed a stoppage-time equaliser. The onus is on PSG to take the game to the Catalans at the imposing Camp Nou.

Barcelona may have the advantage of the away goals but they never sit back. But the problem they have is that of a weak defence against the guile of Ezequiel Lavezzi, the skill of Lucas Moura and the strength of Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The Paris outfit will have a good chance to score and as Malaga showed last night, an away goal can really send jitters through the spine of the opposition.

It would serve Ancelloti well to keep up the attacking verve that was displayed in first leg. But that could leave them prone to counter, which when playing against Barcelona is always deadly. Barcelona meanwhile are in a fix over their central defence pairing. With Carles Puyol injured and Gerard Pique a doubt for the match, a centre-back pairing of Javier Mascherano and Martin Montoya is not one that would inspire confidence. Even so, Barcelona have the quality and experience to shade it against Les Parisians, in what will be a close game.

With Ancelloti reiterating before the game his wish to start Beckham again, it is a decision that could both backfire and come off brilliantly. If they don’t concede cheap goals and defend well, PSG have a good chance of reaching the semis.

Probable Line ups:

PSG (4-4-1-1): Sirigu; Silva, Maxwell, Alex, Jallet; Beckham, Verrati, Moura, Pastore; Lavezzi; Ibrahimovic

Barcelona (4-3-3): Valdes; Alves, Montoya, Mascherano, Alba; Xavi, Busquets, Iniesta; Sanchez, Messi, Villa

Prediction: 1-1

Players to watch out for:

David Beckham: It is a revival of sorts for the legend. Brilliant in Paris, he has shown that he can still play at the top level. He put in great balls all night and was defensively solid. With him likely to start, PSG will deal better with the pressure. This could be a good chance for him to show that he is still the player he once was.

Lionel Messi: You cannot look past the diminutive Argentinean. With an exquisite volley that gave Barcelona the lead, he was good till he walked off injured. Fit and raring to go Leo is crucial to the prospects of Barcelona qualification. Expect Thiago Silva and co. to have a tough night.