Barcelona-PSG Champions League Tie: Former Coach Reveals Key Factor

Paris Saint-Germain will welcome FC Barcelona on Wednesday at the Parc des Princes. The two teams aim to secure an advantage when the scene shifts to Spain, so who has the advantage in the tie? 

Juan Carlos Unzué, who spent time on Luis Enrique’s coaching staff, spoke with Mundo Deportivo and shared his thoughts on the matchup. The coach noted how he sees the two teams coming into the tie.

“The two are quite similar,” Unzué said. “They both arrive in good spirits, with the feeling that they have experienced difficult moments in the season.”

While Unzué didn’t state who he sees advancing in the tie, he does give the key to the matchup that will allow the team to reach the semifinals. 

“It will not define much that the first game is in Paris,” Unzué added. “They are two teams with two coaches who, regardless of where they play, have a similar approach. It’s not going to change. They are going to behave the same in Paris as in Barcelona. 

“I see a PSG wanting to have Barça close to their goal. Although you always have the risk of playing far from your goal and having a lot of space behind the defensive line, that is the phase where Barça can suffer a little more.”

A recent report reveals that PSG expect an anti-Mbappé plan from Barça. In their locker room, there is talk of the possibility that Ronald Araujo or perhaps Jules Koundé will mark Mbappé.

Wednesday will be interesting to see who gets the upper hand in the first 90 minutes and one foot into the next round.