Champions League preview: Aston Villa vs Paris Saint-Germain, Dortmund vs Barcelona
Aston Villa vs Paris Saint-Germain
It’s a long way back for Aston Villa. Beaten 3-1 by Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes in the first leg of this quarter-final, Villa are generally in good form. But can Unai Emery’s side really overturn a two-goal deficit against the French side?
In previous years, the Parisiens have often been eliminated from this tournament despite taking commanding leads – losing 6-1 to Barcelona in 2017, having won the first meeting 4-0, remains the most astonishing example of that.
Villa manager Emery was in charge of PSG for that painful turnaround – with current Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique the then-Barca coach.
It’s fair to say this Paris side seems somewhat steelier. Enrique has already led the side to domestic triumph, the side having won Ligue 1 at a canter.
In this Champions League campaign, PSG knocked out Liverpool in the previous round, winning 1-0 at Anfield to force extra time and penalties.
Emery is not to be underestimated, having tasted European success of his own; the Spaniard has led former sides to Europa League Cup glory on four occasions. But this opposition may simply prove too resolute on Tuesday night.
That said, Villa have won eight of their last nine matches in all competitions – they will surely be eager to give a good account of themselves at Villa Park. Ollie Watkins scored against Southampton at the weekend and may be the man to deliver for Villa here. Watkins is 15/8 to find the net for the hosts.
Borussia Dortmund vs Barcelona
Nico Kovac’s Dortmund were blown away by Barcelona in the first leg, losing 4-0 away to the Spanish side. Barring a miracle from the hosts on Tuesday, this tie looks to be over.
The idea that Dortmund may be able to do something remarkable on home turf may be fanciful. These teams met at the Signal Iduna Park stadium during the group stage back in December, with Barca winning 3-2 on that occasion.
Hansi Flick’s Barcelona are unbeaten in all competitions so far in 2025; the Spanish side can afford to take it easy on Tuesday night. But with Dortmund needing to go for it, plenty of opportunities may open up for the visitors.
Eight of Barca’s 11 Champions League matches in this campaign have featured four or more goals. It would be no shock if there was more to come on Tuesday. Over 3.5 goals is a 26/25 shot.
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