In 2017, Barcelona recovered from a 0-4 thrashing suffered at the Parc des Princes and advanced to the Champions League semi-finals with an epic comeback at Camp Nou, which included two goals in stoppage time of the 90th minute.
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Seven years after orchestrating one of the most memorable comebacks in Champions League history against PSG, Barcelona is set to face the French champions again at the same stage of the competition.
The return leg at Parc des Princes is eagerly awaited this Wednesday (8:00 pm), stirring memories of that historic night at Camp Nou and igniting hopes of another remarkable performance.
In the build-up to this highly anticipated clash, Marca reached out to Ivan Rakitic, the Croatian midfielder who was part of the Barcelona team during the 2017 tie and currently plays for Al Shabab under the coaching of Portuguese Vítor Pereira. Reflecting on the first leg in Paris, which ended in a crushing 0-4 defeat for Barcelona, Rakitic shared insights into the team's mindset and the burning desire for redemption that fueled their preparations for the rematch.
The aftermath of the defeat in Paris was a turning point for Barcelona, as described by Rakitic. The team, deeply wounded in pride, was consumed by a determination to prove that the setback was merely an aberration and that they possessed the mettle to claim Champions League glory. This resolve was palpable in the atmosphere within the squad as they geared up for the second leg, transforming their initial despair into an unyielding resolve to overturn the deficit.
Adding a unique dimension to their preparations, then-president Josep María Bartomeu arranged for American football figures, renowned for their own dramatic comebacks and Super Bowl victories, to share their experiences with the Barcelona players. This strategic move was aimed at mentally fortifying the team, leveraging the weeks leading up to the crucial match to instill a belief in the possibility of a historic turnaround.
Rakitic vividly recalls the escalating tension and the collective ambition that characterized the team's training sessions in the days preceding the second leg. The intensity of their preparation, coupled with a newfound conviction in their ability to advance, set the stage for what was to become a legendary night in Barcelona's footballing annals.
True to their renewed belief, Barcelona achieved the seemingly impossible, mounting a spectacular 6-1 comeback victory that not only neutralized PSG's advantage but also underscored the indomitable spirit of the team. This triumph, etched in the memories of football fans worldwide, serves as a source of inspiration for Barcelona as they prepare to face PSG once more, with both teams vying for a spot in the Champions League semi-finals and the chance to write another chapter in their storied rivalry.
Updated: 03:21, 10 Apr 2024
