PSG vs Barcelona - Combined XI | UEFA Champions League 2020-21

Barcelona are left to pull off another comeback after the 4-1 first-leg thrashing by PSG.
Barcelona are left to pull off another comeback after the 4-1 first-leg thrashing by PSG.

Barcelona will be looking to do another 'remontada' when they meet PSG in the second leg of their Champions League Round of 16 clash at the Parc des Princes.

The Ligue 1 champions thrashed Ronald Koeman's side 4-1 at the Camp Nou in the first leg, where Kylian Mbappe scored a stunning hat-trick.

As a result, Barcelona are staring at their earliest exit from the competition since 2007. They will need to score at least four unanswered goals to progress to the next round, which could be a daunting prospect on away turf.

However, Barcelona will look up to their improbable 2017 comeback against the Parisiens for inspiration. Moreover, their recent form has been encouraging, too, as they pulled off a stunning comeback against Sevilla in the Copa Del Rey semi-finals.

Meanwhile, Mauricio Pochettino has run a taut ship since taking over from Thomas Tuchel, winning 13 of his 15 games in charge so far. PSG, even without the injured Neymar, are a force to be reckoned with.

On that note, let's have a look at how Barcelona and PSG would stack up in a hypothetical combined XI:


Goalkeeper: Marc-Andre ter Stegen (Barcelona)

Ter Stegen's impact at Barcelona has been more than that of Keylor Navas at PSG.
Ter Stegen's impact at Barcelona has been more than that of Keylor Navas at PSG.

The German stalwart's importance to Barcelona cannot be overstated. Marc-Andre ter Stegen's interventions have time and again saved the Blaugrana's beacon, both in the league and in Europe.

So far this season, he has kept nine clean sheets in the league, conceding 16 times from 20 games. However, in Europe, he hasn't had that luck, shipping eight times from four games.

In Barcelona's first leg loss to PSG, Ter Stegen was hopelessly exposed at the back. But the Blaugrana would have been much worse without him, so he slots in ahead of his Costa Rican counterpart for the sheer impact he has for his side.

Right-back: Alessandro Florenzi (PSG)

Florenzi's wealth of experience in Europe is a valuable asset for PSG.
Florenzi's wealth of experience in Europe is a valuable asset for PSG.

Sergino Dest of Barcelona is a talented full-back, but we're going with his PSG counterpart here, as he's more experienced and currently on a better run of form too.

Alessandro Florenzi, the loanee from AS Roma, has a penchant for offensive runs and poses a huge threat with his incredible crossing ability too.


Centre-back: Marquinhos (PSG)

The Brazilian dealt with Messi very well when PSG played at Barcelona.
The Brazilian dealt with Messi very well when PSG played at Barcelona.

Marquinhos, the long-serving PSG stalwart, is an indomitable force in the heart of the PSG defence and stands right up there amongst the very best.

He was the key to keeping the likes of Messi and Griezmann quiet in the first leg, and more of the same will be expected of him on Wednesday.


Centre-back: Presnel Kimpembe (PSG)

Kimpembe's partnership with Marquinhos has been one of the best in Europe this season.
Kimpembe's partnership with Marquinhos has been one of the best in Europe this season.

Presnel Kimpembe is enjoying a fine season with PSG and slots in here ahead of his Barcelona counterparts.

He has forged an excellent partnership with Marquinhos, shipping only 17 league goals. But he will have to bring his A-game to the fore once again to help PSG shut out Barcelona's stellar attacking frontline.


Left-back: Jordi Alba (Barcelona)

Jordi Alba has regained his mojo this season.
Jordi Alba has regained his mojo this season.

Like a few other Barcelona players, Jordi Alba has returned to form this season, contributing five goals and 11 assists.

His marauding runs add an extra edge to Barcelona's already fearsome attack. and the likes of Messi and Griezmann will depend on his services once again when the Blaugrana take on PSG.

Right Midfielder - Angel Di Maria (PSG)

Angel Di Maria struck twice against Barcelona on their last visit to Paris.
Angel Di Maria struck twice against Barcelona on their last visit to Paris.

After missing the first leg against Barcelona because of injury, Angel Di Maria returns to PSG's lineup and will be raring to get a few goals against an old rival.

The former Real Madrid ace has many incredible memories against Barcelona. and without Neymar in the side, PSG's creative burden will be on him once again.


Central Midfielder - Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona)

De Jong has recaptured his best form this season.
De Jong has recaptured his best form this season.

This position is stacked with so many talented stars from both camps we have gone with anyone, but Frenkie De Jong gets the nod this time.

De Jong has produced improved performances this season, scoring six goals and producing as many assists. He could have a role to play at PSG as Barcelona attempt another improbable comeback.


Left Midfielder: Marco Verratti (PSG)

Verratti's experience is crucial to PSG.
Verratti's experience is crucial to PSG.

His season may have been riddled with injuries and patchy form, but Marco Verratti continues to have a huge impact at PSG.

The Italian international's vision, passing and precocious dribbling ability are valuable assets for PSG; Verratti also assisted Mbappe's first goal against Barcelona at the Camp Nou in the first leg.

Right Winger: Moise Kean (PSG)

The in-form Kean was on target against Barcelona in the first leg.
The in-form Kean was on target against Barcelona in the first leg.

Moise Kean has been a revelation for PSG this season. Banishing his Premier League struggles with Everton, Kean has been a player reborn for the French champions.

He has struck 17 times in all competitions in the campaign, which includes one against Barcelona in the first leg. He could be a huge cause of concern for the fragile Blaugrana defence once again.


Striker: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)

Lionel Messi failed to spark Barcelona against PSG in the first leg.
Lionel Messi failed to spark Barcelona against PSG in the first leg.

The Barcelona captain was subdued in the first-leg defeat despite scoring the early penalty and will look to make amends in Paris.

Lionel Messi is often criticised for not stepping up to the plate on big European nights. But in what could be final Champions League campaign with Barcelona, he might look to silence his naysayers.


Left Winger: Kylian Mbappe (PSG)

Kylian Mbappe destroyed Barcelona in the first leg with a stunning hat-trick.
Kylian Mbappe destroyed Barcelona in the first leg with a stunning hat-trick.

The star of the Camp Nou game, Kylian Mbappe reigned supreme in PSG's 4-1 win, single-handedly taking the La Liga giants to the cleaners.

With Neymar likely to miss out again, he will continue to be PSG's focal point of attack and hungry for more goals on home turf.

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