PSG’s spending makes them favourites for UCL tie – Xavi

Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez has admitted Paris Saint Germain’s spending makes them favorites for the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal clash. The Catalan club will travel to Paris for the first leg on April 10 whereas they will host the Parisians on April 16.

This will be the first quarterfinal for Barca in the UCL after they were eliminated in the group stage in 2022-23.

“It’s really difficult. [PSG] are one of the most difficult opponents we could have faced,” Xavi said in a news conference on Saturday ahead of Barça’s LaLiga game with Atlético. “But we’re excited. We have the return leg at home. It’s time to dream, and show that we can compete.

“Perhaps I’d say PSG are favourites. History aside, because we’ve won more Champions Leagues, financially right now it’s not the same, with what they’ve spent and what we’ve spent. But you have to perform on the pitch.”

Meanwhile, Pau Cubarsí was called up by Spain coach Luis de la Fuente on Friday and it has been speculated that the youngster could be picked for the Olympic Games in Paris as well as Euro 2024. Spain’s midfielder Pedri played in these two tournaments but has suffered injury woes.

“We hope all that doesn’t happen again,” Xavi said.

“But we don’t have to be negative. We’re happy for him, he deserves to play with the national team. But as for the rest, I can’t say anything, because I can’t decide if he goes to the Olympic Games and the Euros, there’s still a lot of time left.”

Barcelona will next take on Atletico on Sunday and the clash will see Barça’s on-loan forward João Félix play against the parent club.

“You have to show a lot of personality against Atletico,” Xavi said. “[Félix] should be important tomorrow. In the first game he played really well.

“Me personally, I always liked a hostile atmosphere. He has a strong character. He wants to show his talent, and tomorrow he and the team must show personality.”