The newspaper “Sport” revealed the main features of Barcelona’s formation against Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals at the Parc des Princes Stadium.
According to the report, coach Xavi Hernandez does not intend to play defensively, but rather he will surprise Paris Saint-Germain in a largely surprising offensive manner.
Lamine Yamal will be on the right wing, and Robert Lewandowski will be in attack, but the surprise will be on the left wing, as it will not be Joao Felix or Ferran Torres, but Rafinha.
The Brazilian player realizes that his participation on the left front is his only chance to play after Yamal reserved a starting place on the right front, and he is already working to adapt to the new situation.
Xavi’s preference for Rafinha on the left is due to his ability to carry out the defensive duty with Cancelo on the one hand, and on the other hand, the player is in a much better condition than his teammates lately in terms of attack.
Another important reason is the absence of Achraf Hakimi due to suspension, and thus the right front of Paris Saint-Germain will be weaker, and Rafinha’s skills and experience can play a decisive role in this way.
Xavi will continue to rely on Fermin Lopez in the midfield alongside the expert Ilkay Gundogan, and the third side in the middle remains ambiguous. Either the captain will be Sergi Roberto or Xavi will surprise everyone with Ferran Torres.
Defensively, the most likely thing is to rely on Ronald Araujo in the right-back position to stop the danger of Nuno Mendes and Kylian Mbappé, with Kounde playing in the heart of defense with the young Cobarsi.
Barcelona’s formation is expected to be as follows:
Barcelona’s lineup against Paris Saint-Germain: 4-3-3
Ter Stegen
Ronald Araujo – Cobarci – Jules Kounde – Joao Cancelo
Fermin Lopez – Ilkay Gundogan – Sergi Roberto
Lamine Yamal – Robert Lewandowski – Rafinha
