Paris Saint-Germain will arrive at Anfield tonight for the decisive Champions League last-16 second leg against Liverpool, buoyed by a wave of confidence both within their camp and across the French media.
The first leg in Paris saw PSG dominate proceedings but ultimately fall to a smash-and-grab 1-0 defeat, leaving them with a deficit to overturn.
Yet, the mood around the club suggests belief is growing that they can achieve something special in England.
PSG star Vitinha certainly seems to think so, who admittedly had a very good showing against the Reds in Paris:
“We’re going to show what a team we are, we’re going to show our character,” he said after the defeat.
“We’re going to win there [at Anfield]. With the game we played, the victory was more than deserved.”
The front cover of L’Équipe encapsulates the sentiment surrounding PSG’s challenge, boldly declaring “Mission: Possible” ahead of the showdown.
The French national newspaper adds that the visitors could ‘overthrow Liverpool in their own kingdom’:
“Magnificent last week, despite the defeat, PSG knew how to maintain hope. At Anfield on Tuesday evening, the Parisians seem capable of overthrowing Liverpool in their kingdom”.
‘[It is] the moment for PSG to reveal themselves to themselves, and to the world.”
“Liverpool’s boys can contort themselves to say what the substance of the first leg was, but in their eyes the naked truth is that they did not expect it, and they did not imagine being run over to such proportions.”
“In most areas that matter, PSG were far above the Reds.”
PSG’s preparations for tonight’s clash have been meticulous. While Liverpool fielded virtually their entire starting XI during their labored 3-1 victory over Southampton on Saturday, Enrique had the luxury of resting most of his key players during PSG’s comfortable 4-1 win at Rennes.
Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz, Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Nuno Mendes, and Gianluigi Donnarumma were all given reduced minutes or complete rest over the weekend, ensuring they are fresh for Anfield.
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