Five reasons why Barcelona v PSG is a huge match

Sevilla v FC Barcelona: Copa del Rey Semi Final First Leg

Barcelona’s reputation

Over the course of the last year, Barcelona's reputation has taken a battering. Since sacking Ernesto Valverde when they were at the top of La Liga, problems have only mounted for the club.

First came Quique Setien’s disastrous reign, during which the coronavirus pandemic rocked the club, then in the summer there was the revelation that Messi was doing his utmost to leave after a fallout with the board. Since then, they have been scrambling for credibility amid a mediocre start to their La Liga season that has allowed Atletico Madrid to open up a big lead at the top of the points table.

Although a run of improved results – seven wins in their last eight games – suggests that Barcelona are back on track, they have barely beaten any clubs of real standing in the game this season.

Sure, Andrea Pirlo’s Juventus were bested in the group stage in Turin, but that good work was eradicated by a lackluster 3-0 loss at home that also cost them top spot in the group.

⚪️⚫️ Who starred for Juventus in 2020?⚽️⚽️ Ronaldo nets twice at Camp Nou & scores 750th career goal🧤 Buffon denies Barcelona & Messi 💪 Morata scores 6 times in group stage 🔝 Cuadrado finds McKennie to claim 5th Champions League assist this season#UCL | @juventusfcen

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) December 23, 2020

In the league they have lost to Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, while they have failed to beat Sevilla in two meetings this season. That means they have not won against any of their top-four domestic rivals.

Eliminating PSG would give them a huge shot in the arm and would help their ailing reputation.