Winning the challenges key against Barca, says PSG coach

This time it looks like the mighty Barcelona won’t even reach the last eight, after equaling its worst ever Champions League defeat.

Here’s what happened in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, in case you missed it…

Luis Enrique’s side are unbeaten in 11 games, but only six of those have come in the league.

FC Barcelona head to Paris on Monday ahead of the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie against Paris Saint Germain.

The Argentinian was removed shortly after to a standing ovation but the French side weren’t prepared to rest and Edinson Cavani completed the rout in the 71st minute.

Speaking with beIN Sports after the final whistle in the French capital, Di Maria admitted he has turned a corner since the start of 2017. “We must keep our concentration for the return match“. “It’s extremely hard for us now but we go back to our stadium and really we need a heroic performance but why not dream?” “No team is unbeatable, but of course for me they are the favorites”, Lucas said.

Asked by Goal whether Barcelona will prove too strong for Unai Emery’s side, Ronaldinho said: “No, football is not like this”.

“We will continue with caution”, Emery said. Conceding a goal at home could spell the end of their hopes. We controlled the game for 90 minutes. We hope to be able to turn things around at the Nou Camp but I can’t lie, it’s very hard’.

In the last four years, PSG went out in the quarterfinals and last year’s elimination led to coach Laurent Blanc being fired.

Cavani and di Maria both celebrated their birthdays Tuesday in a manner that will endear them to PSG fans for years to game. Live text commentary of the match can be followed on BBC Sports website. It showed just how ruthless PSG’s owners are in their desire to join Europe’s elite.

“We did a fine job”.

“Tonight we’re going to celebrate a little bit but then we are going to be ready”.

“We must also remember our situation in Ligue 1”. Tactics will be important, of course, but it is the players that will make the difference on the pitch.

Centre back Presnel Kimpembe also produced an accomplished display on his Champions League debut at the age of 21 in place of injured captain Thiago Silva. “Satisfaction for a coach is very short-lived and I respect the great team that Barcelona are”. “We will have to suffer, defend and attack together”. PSG trails Monaco by three points and has already lost four games. “It is good news for PSG and I think he is happier than perhaps when he wasn’t scoring as many because he was playing in another position”.