Barcelona v Paris: line-ups, where to watch, form guide
Tuesday, March 7, 2017
Article summary
"If a team can score four against us then we can score six against them," said Barcelona boss Luis Enrique, who is not giving up on his side overturning a 4-0 deficit against Paris.
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Article body
- Barcelona coach Luis Enrique: "We can score six"
- Umai Emery has "same confidence as before first leg"
- Paris recorded a stunning 4-0 win in the first leg on 14 February
- Visitors 16 games unbeaten in all competitions
- No team has ever come back from a 4-0 first-leg loss
Possible line-ups
Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Piqué, Mascherano, Umtiti; Sergi Roberto, Rakitić, Busquets, Iniesta; Messi, Suárez, Neymar.
Out: Aleix Vidal (ankle), Mathieu (ankle)
Misses next match if booked: Busquets
Paris: Trapp; Kurzawa, Thiago Silva, Marquinhos, Meunier; Matuidi, Rabiot, Verratti; Di María, Cavani, Lucas.
Out: none
Doubtful: Motta (calf), Di María (muscular problems)
Misses next match if booked: Marquinhos, Rabiot
Where to watch
Fans can find their local UEFA Champions League broadcast partner(s) here.
Luis Enrique, Barcelona coach
I've been convinced for a couple of weeks that there will be a stage in the game where we will be close to achieving what we need. If a team can score four against us then we can score six against them. The result in the first leg was very clear but this is a knockout tie and we're only at half-time. Over 95 minutes, an infinite number of things can happen. Hopefully they will all be positive for us.
Unai Emery, Paris coach
I have the same confidence in my team as before the first leg and the same respect for Barcelona. Our only thought is to play the way we did in the first leg, without thinking about the result. We need to be ready to do everything: defend, attack, play together, cope when they are dominating, and make them suffer. We need to win our one on ones and on a collective level get the upper hand. That's why we want to carry on where we left off in Paris. There is pressure of course. Tomorrow, what will be different is that Barça will have the fans behind them. We need to keep our usual philosophy
Weekend results
Barcelona 5-0 Celta Vigo (Messi 24 64, Neymar 40, Rakitić 57, Umtiti 61)
Barcelona remain a point ahead at the top of the Liga standings after racking up a 12th win in their last 15 games in all competitions. Lionel Messi now has 23 league goals in as many appearances this term.
Paris 1-0 Nancy (Cavani 80pen)
Paris are 16 games undefeated in all competitions, winning 14, thanks to Edinson Cavani's 37th goal in 36 club appearances this term. He is now just one shy of his career-best total for a season, set with Napoli in 2012/13.
Form guide (all competitions, most recent first)
Barcelona: WWWWLW
Paris: WWWDWW
Reporter's view: Graham Hunter (@BumperGraham)
An unwinnable tie? Neither the UEFA Champions League nor Barcelona would recognise that phrase. Certainly, retrieving a four-goal deficit is a huge task and no one at Barcelona is promising they'll be in the next round. What they do promise, however, is a grandstand occasion where the club's spirit, talent and winning mentality will be on show. All the key players are fit, the team has found form recently and Paris are going to have a proper test of their character and resistance. This will be a monumental night, whoever wins. Don't miss it.
Did you know?
Only three clubs have managed to retrieve a four-goal first-leg deficit in UEFA competition. Find out who they are in our extensive match background.