PARIS — Leonardo’s assertion that Paris St Germain (PSG) are made for the Champions League, but not for low-key Ligue 1 matches could backfire today if they do not show a dramatic improvement against Valencia in a last-16 second leg.
Reuters
Sports director Leonardo explained PSG’s embarrassing 1-0 league defeat at battling 10-man Stade Reims on Saturday by saying: “Maybe we have a team made for Europe, based on talent and passing quality, not for that kind of game.”
PSG indeed looked a different side from the one who beat Valencia 2-1 away in the first leg and their chances of success in today’s home game have been hurt by suspensions to striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic and midfielder Marco Verratti.
The Ligue l leaders’ defeat by Reims was the second in a row against a lowly team after they were humbled 3-2 by Sochaux before back-to-back wins against arch rivals Olympique Marseille in the league and French Cup.
PSG coach Carlo Ancelotti blamed a bad pitch at Reims for the loss, but there will be no excuses today on their Parc des Princes turf, where 37-year-old David Beckham could make his first Champions League appearance since 2010 with AC Milan. The former England captain, who signed a short-term deal with PSG in January, could start the match unless Ancelotti decides to field Clement Chantome or Thiago Motta returns from injury.
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The Italian coach is likely to change his centre-back pairing with captain Thiago Silva in the running to feature for the first time in more than seven weeks after recovering from a thigh problem.
The Brazilian’s return would be a boost to PSG, who could have all but sealed their last-eight qualification in Valencia if they had made more of their domination before allowing the Spaniards to pull a goal back late on.
Valencia are missing usual centre-backs Adil Rami and Ricardo Costa.
France international Rami, who netted their 90th-minute goal in the first leg, is still recovering from a muscle strain in his left thigh.