Wow, what a match we could enjoy yesterday. Regardless of which side you support, I think all can agree that Inter Milan and Barcelona delivered some of the best and most exciting football dramas we have seen in many years. Not just 13 goals in two matches, but also nail-biting excitement throughout every minute of the matches. Congratulations to Inter Milan, but also to Barcelona for the courage to never move away from their positive football culture.
Tonight, it is time to determine which team that will travel to Munich to face Inter Milan in the final later in May. Although I have a difficult time to see as many goals produced tonight as there where yesterday, I think we will be served a fair portion of excitement. Supported by their win in the first leg, what looks like a squad totally unhurt by injuries and the home ground favour, PSG are considered massive favourites to qualify for the finals. But so, was Barcelona, even on lesser scale, and what would be the most “almost” outcome for PSG?
As you might remember, both Arsenal and PSG share the not so flattering nickname “the almost team” as both have a history of almost making it all the way, especially in European tournaments. One thing is for certain though, tonight one of the “almost teams” will break the spell and maybe rid themselves of the nickname.
Just as yesterday, this is a tough nut to crack. There is so much at stake and so much pressure put on both teams that, just as in yesterday’s match, it will all come down to fighting spirit and ability to get the final inches on your side. While both sides have earned their nicknames by failing to get the final smallest details to play in their favour, I think PSG might have the most negative baggage in terms of failure to deliver against investments and expectations. This could very well be with makes them fall again. If Arsenal just manages to get PSG a bit shaken and uncomfortable – I think this could be what makes the Parisian giants fall.
Arsenal continues to have problems with a severely decimated squad. For tonight’s match, Havertz, Jesus, Jorginho, Magalhaes and Tomiauzy are all unavailable through injuries. On the positive side reports say that three players that was very much in doubt ahead of the match may be returning tonight, Calafiori, Timber and Odegaard were all participating in full practice yesterday and seems to be fit to participate. PSG on their end have reported a completely intact squad to choose the starting eleven from, only Dembele has been reported as doubtful for a starting position.
The last three games have not provided much pleasure to Arsenal, draw against Crystal Palace, loss against PSG and during the weekend, a shocking loss against Bournemouth at Emirates Stadium is not the best way to build confidence and energy. But while making fans and owners worried and disappointed it also relieves a bit of the pressure on the Arsenal squad. They are not really expected to deliver a win tonight, at least not in the same way that PSG are. I think the underdog position will fit Arsenal well. Conclusion: Going against the odds setters and sticking to my gut feeling proved successful yesterday, and I will do the same tonight. I think the pressure on PSG to finally succeed in the Champions League is what will break them. If the battle stops at 90 minutes or goes into extra time, I do not know of course. But I rely on my gut feeling and predict: Arsenal to qualify.
