Barcelona v PSG, RB Leipzig play Liverpool in Champions League

UEFA Champions League action is back on Tuesday night as four teams battle it out today in the round of 16 stage across Europe.

RB Leipzig v Liverpool and Barcelona v Paris Saint Germain will go down to determine who gains recognition in the second leg of the competition which will be played next month.

The coronavirus second wave has caused the implementation of travel restriction by some countries in Europe including Germany and such means Leipzig would welcome the Reds at the Puskas Arena in Budapest, Hungary.

Leipzig goalkeeper, who was at Liverpool have called out his side as the favourites to advance in both legs after a difficult spell for Jurgen Klopp’s side in the Premier League.

"On one hand, of course, it’s a special game for me because I spent six years at [Liverpool], on the other, only Jordan Henderson is still at the club. For me, the most important thing is that we play well. With a good performance, we can make it very difficult for Liverpool. That is our goal for the two games. Hopefully, we will be the team that will progress to the next round. "

Liverpool lost and drew once in the Group stage of the Champions League and will look to revive their form against the German opponents on Tuesday night. To Jordan Henderson, “it’s a new opportunity, a new challenge.”

“We’ve got to go out there and give 100 per cent, we’re ready to give 100 per cent to get a positive result against a very good side.

“Leipzig are a very good side with very good players and manager. I think everybody knows that.”

Form Guide

Last six games: LLLWWL
Latest outing: Leicester 3-1 Liverpool, 13/02
Next match: Leipzig vs Liverpool, 16/02 (UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg)
Where they stand: 6th in Premier League

Leipzig
Last six games: WWWWLW
Latest outing: Leipzig 2-1 Augsburg, 12/02
Next match: Leipzig vs Liverpool, 16/02 (UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg)
Where they stand: 2nd in Bundesliga, German Cup quarter-finals

Mauricio Pochettino will travel to Camp Nou without Neymar and Angel Di Maria as the French Champions seek to advance past the Blaugranas.

The former Spurs boss has told that despite the loss of a few key players, the team is inspired to win, building from where they left off last season to define PSG on the European map.

 “Important players will be missing, indeed, but the team cannot wait to play this match and will give it their all to win. The atmosphere is extraordinary and the team is united. These players want to build something for the club and its history. We want to shape a real identity for Paris.”

Kylian Mbappe will spearhead the attack of the French side with Mauro Icardi, Moise Kean, Julian Draxler and Pablo Sarabia all possible starters.

Barca could feature Gerard Pique after his injury against Atletico Madrid on November 21, 2020. Ronald Koeman is not much concerned about the players PSG have lost since he suffers same fate and believes the available set will empower the game to be the best.

“For any team, it is important to have every player available. [We are missing] Ronald Araújo, Sergi Roberto, Ansu Fati, Philippe Coutinho. You have to live with these problems and have other players ready [...] each team has strengths and weaknesses, hopefully, we can take advantage of them tomorrow.

Barcelona
Last six games: WLWWWW
Latest outing: Barcelona 5-1 Alavés, 13/02
Next match: Barcelona vs Paris, 16/02 (UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg)
Where they stand: 3rd in Liga, Copa del Rey semi-finals

Paris
Last six games: WWWWLW
Latest outing: Paris 2-1 Nice, 13/02
Next match: Barcelona vs Paris, 16/02 (UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg)
Where they stand: 2nd in Ligue 1, French Cup round of 32