The Champions League is back tonight and there are two intriguing second legs in the quarter-finals to look forward to. Liverpool play against holders Paris Saint-Germain, while Barcelona travel to Spanish rivals Atletico Madrid.
Liverpool welcome Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield facing a difficult task after defeat in the first leg in Paris.
Arne Slot oversaw a 2-0 defeat to the European champions in last week's opening encounter, although the outcome could have been much more disastrous for the Reds, who are not down and out just yet.
The first-leg script was followed to a tee in terms of the full-time result, despite Slot springing a surprise with a defence-heavy 3-5-2 setup, one in which there was no room for soon-to-be ex-Liverpool player Mohamed Salah.
On what may have been his final European away day in a Reds shirt, the Egyptian watched on helplessly as Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia propelled PSG to a 2-0 triumph, although the holders did not make a complete mockery of Slot's tactical tinkering.
Blessed with a football-free weekend ahead of Tuesday's return fixture, PSG were due to face Ligue 1 title challengers Lens either side of their Liverpool clashes, but the authorities granted their request to postpone the match.
Lens' protests fell on deaf ears at the Ligue de Football Professionel, who are doing their utmost to help Luis Enrique's men keep their hands on the Champions League trophy, and they already have one foot firmly in the semi-finals.
Victory in Paris last week marked a fifth win on the spin for Les Parisiens, who have not been the same all-conquering force from 2024-25, but a league and Champions League double remains in reach as the season approaches its business end.
Also making light work of recent foes on the road, PSG boast four victories from their last four away games - keeping clean sheets in each of their last three - while also scoring in every game on their travels since the turn of the year.
Enrique also masterminded a 1-0 triumph at Anfield in last year's last-16 second leg before his side prevailed on penalties, but even defeat by the same scoreline on Tuesday would be enough to book a heavyweight semi-final date with Real Madrid or Bayern Munich.
Team News
Liverpool's victory over Fulham on Saturday was not without sacrifice, as Curtis Jones came off at half time due to a groin injury, but the midfielder surprisingly trained on Monday and could be available.
Alisson Becker (unspecified), Wataru Endo (ankle), Giovanni Leoni (ACL) and Conor Bradley (knee) in the Liverpool treatment room, but Slot should otherwise be working with an identical squad from the Fulham victory, in which Rio Ngumoha became the Reds' youngest-ever Premier League scorer at Anfield.
The 17-year-old - who broke Raheem Sterling's record on Saturday - would be the first name on the teamsheet for the second leg if Liverpool fans were in charge, and he probably has done enough to earn a starting role in this crunch clash.
Meanwhile, PSG came out of the 2-0 first-leg win unscathed on the fitness front, and having been granted a complete rest at the weekend, there are no new concerns for Enrique to work around.
The holders have also received a boost with the addition of Bradley Barcola to their travelling squad, as the 23-year-old has recovered from the ankle injury he sustained against Chelsea last month.
Fabian Ruiz (knee) remains on the sidelines, though, while Kvaratskhelia and Salah's nemesis Nuno Mendes will miss the first leg of any potential semi-final if they pick up a yellow card on Merseyside.
Match Preview
The situation is clear. Liverpool must score at least two goals to level the tie. However, the task becomes more complicated if they concede. Any PSG goal at Anfield would force Liverpool to score at least three, increasing pressure on the home side.
Despite the challenge, Anfield remains one of Liverpool’s biggest strengths. The atmosphere has played a key role in some of the club’s most memorable European comebacks, and they will look to use that advantage again. A fast start will be critical, with Liverpool expected to press aggressively from the opening minutes.
Players like Mohamed Salah will be central in attack, providing pace, creativity, and goal threat. Liverpool will need to be efficient in front of goal and take advantage of every opportunity.
At the same time, defensive discipline will be essential. PSG are one of the most dangerous attacking teams in Europe and can punish mistakes quickly. Their strength on the counter means Liverpool cannot afford to lose structure while pushing forward.
PSG are likely to approach the game with patience, maintaining shape and waiting to exploit spaces. With a two-goal advantage, they are in a strong position to manage the tie.
This is a high-pressure encounter where the balance between attack and control will determine the outcome. Liverpool have the history to attempt a comeback, but PSG hold the advantage and the quality to progress.