PSG vs Barcelona: 5 key battles | UEFA Champions League 2020-21

#3 Marquinhos (PSG) vs Antonie Griezmann (Barcelona)

Antonie Greizmann

Barcelona have been heavily dependent on Lionel Messi in the final third in recent games. But another player who could make a difference against PSG going forward is Antoine Griezmann.

The Frenchman has not hit top form this campaign but has scored 12 times and has had 11 assists across all competitions. In the Champions League, the former Atletico Madrid man has scored twice but will be up against Marquinhos, who has been a rock in the heart of the PSG defence over the last few seasons.

The Brazilian defender has assumed the role of a leader on the pitch after the departure of his compatriot Thiago Silva. He has found himself in the thick of things, as the Ligue 1 champions have conceded just 17 goals in 26 league games so far.

---

#2 Presnel Kimpembe (PSG) vs Lionel Messi (Barcelona)

Lionel Messi

All eyes will be on Lionel Messi in this game. The Barcelona captain has scored 24 goals across all competitions this season and is in great form at the moment. He scored the only goal for Barcelona in the first leg and will be expected to do an encore at PSG too.

Messi, who has been utilised in a central role this season, will most likely go up against the PSG duo of Presnel Kimpembe and Marquinhos.

Lille launch a counter-attack 👀Presnel Kimpembe is the only PSG defender back 😳Pulls his thigh muscle 🤕Still makes a heroic tackle 💪This is incredible @kimpembe_3 🙌 pic.twitter.com/uwZpLwCdU5

— Goal (@goal) December 21, 2020

Kimpembe has delivered outstanding performances this season and is one of the main reasons for PSG's good defensive record this term.

He has formed a great partnership with Marquinhos at the heart of defence and will have to be at his best to stop Messi from finding the back of the net.

---

#1 Kylian Mbappe (PSG) vs Marc-Andre ter Stegen (Barcelona)

FC Barcelona vs PSG - UEFA Champions League Round of 16 Leg One

While Lionel Messi is probably the best player on the pitch whenever Barcelona are in action, Kylian Mbappe stole the show in the first leg and is expected to do the same in the second too.

However, he will have to get the better of Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who has been a wall for the visitors in recent games. In his last five outings since that PSG game, Ter Stegen has conceded just once while conceding four consecutive clean sheets.

He was impressive in Barcelona's Copa Del Rey semi-final second leg win against Sevilla, producing a string of remarkable saves to see his team through to the final.

TER STEGEN! THE WALL SAVES THE PENALTY KICK! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏 @mterstegen1 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏 #BarçaSevilla pic.twitter.com/qy80L1pQwc

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 3, 2021

Nevertheless, both in-form players will hope to lead their sides to a win in Paris, and their duel could be key in the outcome of the game.

---