Barcelona's coach Xavi Hernandez acknowledged Paris Saint-Germain's continued status as favorites in their Champions League quarterfinal tie, despite Barcelona clinching a 3-2 victory in the first leg at the Parc des Princes. Raphinha's brace, coupled with Andreas Christensen's late winner, handed Barcelona a narrow advantage as they head back to Spain for the second leg.
While pleased with his team's defensive unity and overall performance, Xavi emphasized the challenge that awaits in Barcelona, recognizing PSG's formidable capabilities. Despite the win, Xavi stressed the need for improvement, particularly in maintaining concentration during critical moments, highlighting Barcelona's quest to overcome recent Champions League setbacks.
With aspirations of reaching their first Champions League semifinal since 2019, Xavi expressed hope that Barcelona can dispel past disappointments in the competition, viewing the victory as a testament to the team's resilience and determination to compete at the highest level.
Meanwhile, PSG manager Luis Enrique, although disappointed with the defeat, remained optimistic about his team's chances in the second leg, likening it to a final and expressing confidence in their ability to qualify. Refusing to dwell on individual performances, Enrique emphasized the importance of tactical adjustments and attention to detail in the upcoming encounter, reiterating PSG's determination to secure victory in Barcelona.
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