PSG confident of overturning deficit vs Barcelona

PARIS (Reuters) – Paris Saint-Germain will qualify for the Champions League last-four by recovering from last week’s 3-2 home defeat by Barcelona in their quarterfinal first leg, boss Luis Enrique said on Monday.

The Spaniard, who led Barca to the treble in 2015, was confident PSG could overcome what he thought was an unfair loss and continue its quest for a first Champions League crown.

“We are firmly convinced that we will turn the score around,” Luis Enrique told a press conference on Monday. “The first match was hard fought by both teams but the result did not reflect what we deserved. The 3-2 scoreline means we have to go for the game. “We will press from minute one and they will play their game.”

PSG started the first leg unbeaten in its previous 27 games in all competitions but was undone by a Barcelona side looking to return the club to the summit of European soccer after crashing out in the group stage two years in a row.

PSG welcomes the return of Morocco full-back Achraf Hakimi, who missed the first leg due to suspension.

He said PSG was fired up to beat

Barca and establish a winning culture by beating the five-time Champions League winner.

Spain will bid to have three teams in the semis for the first time in 24 years as Real visits Manchester City after a 3-3 draw, Barca hosts PSG and Atletico travels to Borussia Dortmund following a 2-1 win at home.

The last time Spain had three representatives among Europe’s top-four clubs was in the 19992000 season when Real, Barca and Valencia qualified for the Champions League semifinals.