"Barcelona hosting Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League has a big chance of being the best, most dramatic, thrilling match anywhere in the world this week. Last time they met, 17 months ago, the Catalans won brilliantly in the French capital and the Parisians replied with a punishing victory in Barcelona. That tit-for-tat battle treated us to 10 goals while former Barça coach Luis Enrique inspired his new team through to the Champions League semifinals in his debut season."
"Given that eight of the top 12 players in last week's Ballon d'Or ranking were scheduled to decorate Wednesday's match, there has been understandable focus on the injury lists: Raphinha, Gavi, Ousmane Dembélé, Marquinhos, Désiré Doué and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia all out; plus doubts of varying degrees surround João Neves, Fabián Ruiz and Vitinha. But this is a meeting that can leave participants in tatters, irrespective of the physical or mental state in which they approach it."
Barcelona host Paris Saint-Germain in a high-stakes UEFA Champions League match with strong potential for drama. The previous meeting 17 months earlier produced two contrasting wins and ten goals, and former Barça coach Luis Enrique propelled his new side to the semifinals that season. Several top-ranked players face absences: Raphinha, Gavi, Ousmane Dembélé, Marquinhos, Désiré Doué and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia are out, while João Neves, Fabián Ruiz and Vitinha carry doubts. The fixture carries intense physical and mental risks for participants. Key figures tied to that night include Luis Enrique, Ronald Araújo and Xavi Hernández, the latter sent off and sacked shortly after.
Read at ESPN.com
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