PSG manager Enrique is convinced his side can ‘turn the score around’

Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique believes his side didn’t get what they deserved in last week’s 3-2 first leg defeat but can turn the tide to reach the Champions League semi-finals against Barcelona tonight.

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

“We are firmly convinced that we will turn the score around,” Enrique said yesterday. “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.”

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

PSG were given the weekend off from Ligue 1 action to rest for the second leg, which is an advantage Enrique thinks will help with their game-plan.

“We will press from minute one and they will play their game. When we have theballwewilltrytocreateasmanychances as possible,” he said.

“The days after the game were difficult for us, but the good thing about football is that there is another game and now we have the idea of what we have to do.”

The victory in Paris was Barca’s first win in the Champions League knockout stage in four years and leaves them full of confidence.

“It’s going to be a major football war,” their manager Xavi said.

They are unbeaten since losing 5-3 at home to Villarreal in La Liga in January that led to Xavi announcing he was stepping down as manager at the end of what then looked like a difficult season.

Now, 13 competitive games without a defeat later, tonight’s challenge seems to have presented itself at the perfect time.

“Happy to be where we are, proud to be where we are. I think it’s a good moment and I’m excited,” Xavi said.

“We have to control our emotions, our temperament ... It’s a game of heads or tails. We want to be in control with the ball, and we want to show the best side and personality of the team.”

PSG welcome back Moroccan full-back Achraf Hakimi, who missed the first leg due to suspension.

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