Liverpool are set to face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League quarter-final, second leg. The other quarter-final sees Atletico Madrid hosting Barcelona, holding a 2-0 aggregate lead.
Isak Leads Liverpool’s Attack
Alexander Isak will start for Liverpool, marking his first start since December. He replaces Joe Gomez in the only change from the first leg. Mo Salah and Rio Ngumoha are on the bench. Ngumoha scored against Fulham at the weekend.
The possible Liverpool lineup is: Mamardashvili; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch; Szoboszlai, Mac Allister; Wirtz; Isak, Ekitike.
The Liverpool substitutes are: Woodman, Misciur, Gomez, Jones, Chiesa, Salah, Robertson, Nyoni, Nallo, Ngumoha.
PSG’s Unchanged Lineup
PSG will field an unchanged XI. The lineup is: Chevalier; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Nuno Mendes; Zaire-Emery, Vitinha, Joao Neves; Doue, Dembele, Kvaratskhelia.
Their substitutes are: Chevalier, Marin, Lucas Beraldo, Zabarnyi, Goncalo Ramos, Lee, L Hernandez, Mayulu.
Debate Over Team Selection
One observer expressed disappointment that Ngumoha isn’t starting, noting his strong performance at the weekend. They believe he possesses a level of confidence the team needs. There is a strong argument for starting him, considering both his ability and the potential impact on the crowd.
A Look Back at 2019
A previous encounter between Liverpool and Barcelona in 2019 was mentioned. It was suggested that Liverpool were the better side in the first leg at Camp Nou, despite the 3-0 scoreline favouring Barca. However, it’s argued that PSG is a stronger team than that Barcelona side, while this Liverpool team is weaker than the 2019 team.
Luis García’s Emotional Connection
Luis García, the former Atlético Madrid, Barcelona and Liverpool player, retired in 2016, after initially retiring in 2014 and returning six months later. He thought he wouldn’t experience the same feelings he had as a player. He still plays seven-a-side football with friends every Saturday. However, he found himself crying when watching his players celebrate a historic win in Malaysia, showing that emotion had returned.
The players García was watching were jumping with joy after sharing long journeys from Malaysia to Vietnam and back, and then on to Japan.
Atletico Madrid v Barcelona
Atletico Madrid hold a 2-0 aggregate lead over Barcelona. The match is being closely followed.