Xavi names favourite for Barcelona vs PSG in Champions League

Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez says his side are the underdogs for their Champions League quarter-final tie with Paris Saint-Germain.

The Catalan giants were drawn against the 2020 runners-up in Friday's draw, which also sees Real Madrid take on Manchester City, Arsenal clash with Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund tackle Atletico Madrid - the conquerers of last year's runners-up Inter.

Xavi's side will head to Paris for the first leg of the quarter-final clash on April 10, before heading back to Barcelona's temporary Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys home six days later.

The two do have previous in European competition, famously clashing at the round of 16 stage during 2016/17 when Barcelona recovered from a 4-0 first leg defeat in the French capital to win the return game 6-1 at Camp Nou - a win earned by two late Neymar goals and Sergi Roberto's winner.

Things have changed since then though, prompting departing Barcelona boss Xavi to declare PSG favourites for their upcoming encounter.

"It's really difficult. [PSG] are one of the most difficult opponents we could have faced," Xavi told reporters in Spain ahead of Sunday's clash with Atletico. "But we're excited. We have the return leg at home. It's time to dream, and show that we can compete.

"Perhaps I'd say PSG are favourites. History aside, because we've won more Champions Leagues, financially right now it's not the same, with what they've spent and what we've spent. But you have to perform on the pitch."

Barcelona overcame Napoli over two legs to reach the last eight of the competition, building on a 1-1 draw from the first leg in Italy to win 3-1 at home thanks to goals from Fermin Lopez, Joao Cancelo and Robert Lewandowski.

As for PSG, they cruised past Real Sociedad after winning both legs of their round of 16 tie 2-1 - their away win this past Tuesday secured by a brace from Kylian Mbappe.

In total, Barcelona and PSG have met 12 times in European competition, with the shares even spoiled with four wins apiece and four draws, but the Catalans are the only one of the two sides to ever lift the Champions League - the last of their five successes coming back in 2015.

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