Dare to dream.That’s what’s going through the heads of Paris Saint-Germain players ahead of their Tuesday night return leg against Liverpool at Anfield (11 pm).Last Wednesday, the Saints were shockingly and palpably dominant, but sensational Alisson Becker and Harvey Eliott ensured the Reds got away with an undeserved victory in the Champions League last 16 opening game. Liverpool’s keeper was brilliant, making nine saves to put a stop to PSG’s unplayable attackers, who had more than 20 attempts but failed to find the back of the net.Crime and Punishment in Paris! Miss criminally, and you’ll be penalized!After that frustrating loss, Les Parisiens have raised their heads high, thumping Rennes in the Ligue 1 as a perfect prelude to this do-or-die rematch.Putting Liverpool to the sword at Anfield, a few yards away from the mythical Kop? Luis Enrique and his army dare to believe that it’s not an impossible mission. And they are not alone in that.Hero 1: Alisson’s Wonderland at Parc des PrincesFormer Arsenal and French defender Bacary Sagna is one of those who believe in the French powerhouse…”I believe PSG have a good chance of going through to the next Champions League stage. At the minute, Liverpool are flying, of course, because of the results that they’re having, but you never know,” Sagna said.##NAJAVA_MECA_8762756##On the other hand, tradition and stats are not on PSG’s side. Believe it or not, the previous 15 times Ligue 1 teams faced English opponents in Europe on their soil, it ended without a single victory for the Frenchmen. As many as 14 of those games ended in defeat for those French clubs.However, PSG were the last French team to win on English soil, topping Manchester United 3-1 at Old Trafford in December 2020. Interestingly, Liverpool have progressed from each of their previous 14 Champions League knockout ties after winning the first leg.Van Dijk to fury PSG director: “This is not Ligue 1, brother”Their legend, John Aldrige, sent quite a straightforward message to Arne Slot’s players through his Liverpool Echo column.”So win your battles, don’t let them bully you, don’t let them get the best of you. There are three or four really crucial combats in this game. We have to win our battles. Especially in midfield.”We can’t be any worse than last week. That’s as bad as I’ve seen and I was gobsmacked, we won 1-0. Imagine if we play well!”In the last few games, we’ve not been at it but if we play like we did against Man City or Real Madrid, we’ll beat them. They are a good team but we made them look better than they are.”They have some brilliant players. The crowd will do its part, I’m pretty sure about that. And PSG won’t know what’s hit them,” concluded Aldridge.Stop the count! PSG are just ludicrously strong for Ligue 1All in all, one thing’s for sure – we’re about to witness one of the most entertaining Champions League clashes in recent years, and don’t be surprised if you see more than four goals tonight. Who’ll concede them and how many? Alisson probably a few less than Donnarumma.UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE – ROUND OF 16Second legTuesday20.45: (1.40) Barcelona (5.30) Benfica (8.00)23.00: (1.35) Inter Milan (4.90) Feyenoord (9.50)23.00: (3.05) Bayer Leverkusen (3.45) Bayern Munich (2.30)23.00: (2.30) Liverpool (3.60) PSG (3.20)Wednesday20.45: (2.85) Lille (3.35) Dortmund (2.65)23.00: (1.42) Arsenal (4.80) PSV (9.00)23.00: (1.62) Aston Villa (3.90) Club Brugge (5.60)23.00: (2.60) Atl. Madrid (3.50) Real Madrid (2.85)***odds are subject to change***
