PSG tie already lost – Luis Enrique not expecting a Champions League miracle

The Catalans start the second leg 4-0 down, and their coach believes that the difference is insurmountable after thrashing Celta

Posted Sunday, March 05, 2017 by Goal.com

Luis Enrique has accepted that Barcelona's Champions League round of 16 tie with Paris Saint-Germain is already "lost" despite them going into the match in fine form.

Barca hammered Celta Vigo 5-0 in LaLiga on Saturday to follow up an equally emphatic 6-1 dismantling of Sporting Gijon on Wednesday, setting them up nicely for the visit of PSG.

But Unai Emery's men go into the match with a 4-0 lead after thumping Barca in Paris and, while Luis Enrique did not rule out a remarkable turnaround, he feels PSG's lead has put progression out of the reach of the Catalans.

"PSG will pressure us worse and will not defend like Celta," he told Movistar Partidazo. "But our trust is basic.

"The tie is lost beforehand but in wonderful circumstances you can succeed. We'll try it until the last minute."

Saturday's win was the first match since Luis Enrique announced his plans to step down at the end of the season and Barca put on a real show, which the supporters responded to with great appreciation.

"This crowd values these players and they communicate that to them," he said.

"I've never seen a lack of attitude in my players and that's why the club is faithful and confident that we can have a comeback [against PSG] – why not?"