Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique is convinced that his side can still progress to the semi-final of the UEFA Champions League, despite a first-leg defeat to Barcelona (3-2) at the Parc des Princes.
Momentum shifted back and forth in an exciting encounter between the two sides. A quickfire double from Ousmane Dembélé and Vitinha early in the second half cancelled out Raphinha’s opener. However, the former Leeds United forward restored parity midway through the first half before Andreas Christensen headed home to give the Catalan club a slender lead heading into the return leg.
History is not on PSG’s side. No French club has ever overturned a deficit when losing the first leg at home in the Champions League. However, Barcelona manager Xavi still has Les Parisiens as favourites to progress and Luis Enrique remains confident too.
“I have no doubt that we can qualify,” began the PSG manager, in a press conference, attended by Get French Football News. He added, “Everyone is speculating but us for example, we haven’t lost away from home in the league. We have six days to prepare. Away goals no longer count for double. That keeps the tie open.”
In order to give PSG the best chance of progressing in the Champions League, this weekend’s Ligue 1 fixture against FC Lorient has been postponed until after the second leg.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle