Even Without Mourinho, PSG Wary of Chelsea’s Threat
Heineken House Lagos back for fans
Paris Saint-Germain coach Laurent Blanc knows his side’s awesome domestic form counts for nothing now as they prepare to face Chelsea in the Champions League for the third season running tonight.
PSG are in the midst of a record-breaking run of 35 games unbeaten in France’s top flight and have not been beaten domestically since March last year.
Their only defeats in that time have come against Barcelona in last season’s Champions League quarterfinals and away to Real Madrid in this season’s group stage.
That shows they still have progress to make to become a genuine contender for European glory, and Blanc admits he will not be judged favourably if Paris fall to the Premier League side in the last 16.
“Coming into the season with PSG you know that your season will be judged on what you do in the Champions League,” Blanc said at a press conference at the Parc des Princes on the eve of the first leg against Chelsea.
With a touch of sarcasm, he added: “There’s hardly any point in even playing in the league because apparently you’ve won it before it has even begun.
“Here we are up against a club in the same category as PSG, if not even stronger.
“Chelsea have experience and have won the Champions League so, although we are better equipped now, we are also aware that we are coming up against a difficult team.
“Now we are boxing in a category that we don’t have in our domestic league,” added Blanc, whose side are a huge 24 points clear at the top of Ligue 1 from second-placed Monaco and destined to win a fourth straight French title.
The teams renew their rivalry with recent history suggesting there is very little between them – Chelsea triumphed on away goals in the quarterfinals in 2014 but PSG took revenge as they won in the same fashion in the last 16 a year ago.
Meanwhile, Heineken, the world’s most valuable international premium beer brand will return for its 11th consecutive year of UEFA Champions League sponsorship with the Heineken House in Lagos today.
In its tradition, the Heineken House will present a VVIP UCL experience in a world-class Heineken atmosphere where fans could watch their favourite clubs compete while enjoying the beer, good food and in a great company.
As the matches of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 continue across prominent stadia in Europe tonight, football fans and invited guests at the upscale Heineken House Lagos will be thrilled to their satisfaction.
According to Heineken, fans can get invites to the Heineken House by visiting any of the local bars where Heineken hostesses are activating.
Heineken has redefined the premium match viewing experience with a fortress of drinks, games, gear, and strategically positioned screens to catch the action.
Located in Ikoyi, the House features a football arena room complete with real stadium seats, Heineken and UEFA Champions League museum atrium and Heineken served extra cold bars with draught beer.