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Paris Saint-Germain finds itself at a crucial turning point at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís. It’s an opportunity for Kylian Mbappé to restore his reputation on the European stage after being virtually absent in the first leg.

A Challenge to Overcome

It is at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís that Paris Saint-Germain must make an impact. After a mixed performance in the first leg, where they had to do without their major asset, Kylian Mbappé, who was virtually non-existent, Luis Enrique and his players are under pressure to achieve a feat, similar to FC Barcelona’s famous “Remontada” in March 2017 against PSG. They must make up for the setback suffered last week in Paris.

On the other side, the Blaugranas are hungry to advance to the quarter-finals, offering Xavi an additional opportunity to get closer to the European title in Catalan colors. With a solid defense led by Jules Kounde and Ronald Araujo, three shots, none on target, one dribble out of five, they intend to make life difficult once again for Kylian Mbappé, who is seeking redemption.

PSG’s Fate in Its Own Hands

Paris Saint-Germain is used to “dreaming bigger” or “dreaming higher,” especially when the team can no longer afford to make mistakes. In the first leg, other stars were highlighted like Vitinha and Ousmane Dembélé, who despite his rather provocative celebration, had the desire to compete with his former club. In Barcelona, it is solely up to Kylian Mbappé to bear the responsibility of carrying the team.

Indeed, the whole world, including football authorities, knows that Kylian Mbappé is  leaving PSG for Real Madrid at the end of the season. He is thus the key element. Wearing the “Blanco” jersey implies this responsibility in big matches, reminiscent of Zidane against Bayer Leverkusen or Karim Benzema during his performances in the Champions League two and a half years ago.

Can we hope to see Kylian Mbappé like he was in 2021? When he crushed the hopes of Ronald Koeman’s Blaugranas with a hat-trick at the Camp Nou.

Everything is set for PSG to answer the call after their disappointing performance at the Parc des Princes, especially with the return of Ashraf Hakimi. Tonight, Luis Enrique and his men must show up. A challenge also thrown to Kylian: to answer this call, to lift the club to the top, to inspire a Champions League victory, and to aim for the Ballon d’Or. The answer will be given tonight at 22:00 (Beirut).

Also not to be missed, the return leg between Dortmund and Atlético Madrid at home (1-2, first leg).