Paris Saint-Germain's star forward Kylian Mbappé has expressed his readiness as the team gears up to face Barcelona in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal this week. Mbappé, who has clinched 13 trophies with PSG, including five Ligue 1 titles, is still chasing Champions League glory.
Reports suggest that Mbappé is likely to join Real Madrid once his PSG contract expires, making this season potentially his final opportunity to secure the prestigious European title with the French club.
Speaking ahead of the crucial match at the Parc des Princes, Mbappé emphasized his determination, stating, 'It is the time for great players. I am ready and, as always, I am not going to hide.' He acknowledged the significance of this period in the season, indicating that the team's performance in April will shape their overall campaign.
Reflecting on past encounters with Barcelona, Mbappé's standout performance in the 2021 Champions League clash, where he scored four goals including a hat trick at Camp Nou, remains a memorable highlight. The rivalry between the two clubs has intensified over the years, fueled by high-profile transfers like Neymar's move to PSG and Lionel Messi's subsequent switch to the French side.
As PSG's ultras call for a hostile atmosphere to unsettle Barcelona, security measures are being heightened for the upcoming matches. Barça faces uncertainties over the fitness of key players like Andreas Christensen, Frenkie de Jong, and Pedri, while PSG will miss Achraf Hakimi due to suspension in the first leg.
With both teams eyeing Champions League success, the upcoming fixtures promise intense competition. The winners of the PSG-Barcelona tie will advance to face either Atlético Madrid or Borussia Dortmund in the semifinals, setting the stage for thrilling encounters in the quest for European glory.
