FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain are set to clash in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals, each harboring optimism regarding their prospects of progressing to the semifinals.
In a recent interview conducted by Le Parisien, Ludovic Giuly provided insights into the forthcoming Champions League quarter-final encounter between PSG and FC Barcelona.
The former Monaco player posited that the absence of a pivotal player within the Barcelona roster might pose a disadvantage for the team. Notably, PSG boasts the presence of Kylian Mbappé, a factor Giuly believes could significantly influence the outcome of the fixture.
Giuly remarked to the French media outlet, “In my estimation, there exists no distinct favorite; the challenge will be formidable for Paris, yet it promises to yield two compelling matches. What Barcelona presently lacks is a luminary figure. Across various eras, the club has perennially boasted a standout talent. Presently, we observe a prodigious talent in the form of a 16-year-old, Lamine Yamal, however, another figure of similar caliber is requisite.”
“Is Lewandowski a prodigy? In Spain, they reference ‘El Fenomeno,’ ‘El Crack,’ yet presently, such a figure remains absent. Barcelona undoubtedly harbors quality players, albeit they lack an individual of Mbappé’s stature, a factor that may sway the outcome,” Giuly elaborated.
The victor of this encounter will encounter either Atletico Madrid or Borussia Dortmund in the subsequent round, thereby propelling PSG or Barcelona towards the final in London. Moreover, this two-legged affair shall witness a tactical duel between PSG coach Luis Enrique and his former club, alongside the return of Ousmane Dembélé.
The impending clash holds intrigue regarding the potential influence of the 25-year-old Dembélé on tilting the scales in favor of the Parisian outfit.