•Dortmund, Atletico Madrid clash again
Barcelona are aiming to reach the UEFA Champions League semifinals for the first time since 2019 as they take on Paris Saint-Germain today.
The PSG game will serve as the second leg of the quarterfinal tie, with Barcelona coming on the back of a 3-2 win in the first leg.
Simply a draw, therefore, would be enough for Barça to seal a berth in the semifinal stage, where they will face either Atletico Madrid or Borussia Dortmund.
A ticket to the UCL semis could go a long way in helping Barcelona somewhat restore the club’s lost glory.
The Catalans, after all, have struggled a lot in European competitions lately. Before this season, they were notably knocked out on UCL group stages for two consecutive campaigns.
However, apart from gaining prestige, Barcelona has much more to play for as they host PSG at Estadio Olimpic.
A ticket to the semifinal stage of the Champions League could go a long way in aiding Barcelona’s economic situation, as they would stand to earn €12.5 million if they get past PSG, reports Alex Pintanel.
From the face of it, a figure of just €12.5 million might appear minuscule for any top European club. But as far as Barcelona are concerned, it could go a long way in aiding their finances.
It must also be noted that the final figure from a hypothetical UCL semifinal ticket could add a lot more than just €12.5 million. That’s because Barcelona would be able to monetise two more matches at the highest level of football and the home game could easily bring in at least €4-5 million in revenue.
The Catalans are facing a precarious situation and are desperate to return to the 1:1 rule in the coming summer. But with Libero still holding back the funds, the club will take every penny they get from other sources.
Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund will host Atletico Madrid at Signal Iduna Park hoping to overturn a 1-2 deficit from the first leg in Madrid.
Atletico have the advantage though and are now unbeaten in 17 home Champions League knockout matches.
Additionally, they are entering the game after defeating third placed Girona 3-1 in their La Liga fixture at the weekend, pushing them closer to earning a place in the Champions League next season.
Despite Borussia Dortmund’s one goal deficit going into this fixture, they will be feeling confident in front of their own fans with their home record so far this season.
Edin Terzic’s side have lost just three games at home in all competitions this season.
A big win in the Bundesliga at the weekend will have added confidence to the squad as they defeated Borussia Monchengladbach 2-1 away from home.
Sebastian Haller had to be substituted early on at the weekend as he was forced off with another ankle injury.
According to Edin Terzic, the final diagnosis of the injury will be found out to define the period of absence more clearly.
Jamie Bynoe-Gittens also had to be replaced due to an injury, but Terzic is hopeful that he will be able to make the matchday squad.
Jadon Sancho missed the match due to illness, however he has been training and will be back in the matchday squad.
For Atletico, Memphis Depay looks set to miss out with a muscular problem, whilst Thomas Lemar and Marcos Paulo are also unavailable for selection.
Saul Niguez will face a late fitness test to make the squad after being substituted against Girona.
