The Champions League resumes Tuesday with two Round of 16 matches. One of those two will feature Group A winners Paris St. Germain against Valencia in a match that will feature an established Superstar and another on the rise.
Paris St. Germain breezed through Group A with five wins and only one loss; the
best record of any team in the group stage. Zlatan Ibrahimovic led the way with two goals and five assists while Ezequiel Lavezzi led the team with three goals. January acquisition David Beckham is expected to join the team in Valencia, but will not play.
Valencia coach Vicente Valverde knows that his squad is not the favorite to win this game but he is resolute to give PSG a hard time. "Even though they are favorites, we want to get through to the quarter-finals," Valverde said. "We are not just happy to compete and give a good image of ourselves, and then see what happens. We are not here to play well but be beaten. We are competing to win."
Valencia played well throughout the group stage and ended up tied with Bayern Munich for most points in group F. Jonas and Roberto Soldado led the team with four goals in the six games.
Valencia Wins If: PSG will dominate the possession in this game and will be very aggressive. Valencia needs to absorb the pressure and be effective on the counter.
PSG Wins If: The team will need to put as much pressure as it can; PSG has more than enough weapons to score but the team needs to control the pace and force Valencia into making mistakes.
Predictions: I think Valencia manages a 1-1 draw.
Start Time: 2:45 Pm EST
TV Info: Fox Soccer Channel, MSG Plus
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