UEFA Champions League dark horses Paris Saint-Germain face Valencia tonight with the French club in the driver’s seat following their 2-1 first leg victory in Spain. Join us for live Champions League scores and commentary from 6.45am AEDT.
PSG has played well in the Champions League thus far and should be favoured to progress to the quarter-finals tonight.
The French club managed to defeat Valencia 2-1 away from home in the first leg but are missing key striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic through suspension.
Thankfully for PSG, Ibrahimovic’s strike partner Ezequiel Lavezzi has hit strong form in recent weeks and should keep Valencia’s defenders on their toes with his speed and dribbling skills as he did in the first leg.
English superstar David Beckham may also feature against Valencia tonight, but will most likely start on the bench.
Overall, PSG seem to have Valencia covered when it comes to firepower, particularly if Javier Pastore can play to his potential in the midfield for the home side.
Valencia though won’t die wondering and do possess some players that can cause PSG trouble if the hosts are too complacent.
Spanish striker Roberto Soldado knows how to find the back of the net and is a fine footballer that will punish PSG if given chances to shoot at goal.
Midfielder Tino Costa is also a danger man that needs to be marked. The Argentine is known for his ability to score some cracking long distance goals and will fancy his chances from distance if given time and space.
Regardless, this match really should be played on PSG’s terms given that they have already scored two away goals in the tie.
Valencia will need to commit players forward at some stage to score the goals they need to perhaps force this tie into extra time.
Such a tactic however brings huge risks, especially against a PSG side that possesses so many great attacking players.
While Valencia should battle valiantly, PSG are in too strong a position heading into this match and should secure passage to the quarter-finals fairly comfortably.
PSG to win 2-0.
Alan
Roar Guru
PSG manage to qualify for the quarter-finals for the first time in 18 years but they played very poorly at home tonight against a Valencia team that took the game to their more fancied opponents. Valencia were well in the running to qualify in the second half after Jonas scored a cracking goal to give the Spanish club the lead. Valencia pressed for the second goal but PSG defended well enough to deny the Spaniards from forcing extra time. PSG though were very poor in possession tonight and lived on the edge for the entirety of the night. They will need to improve tenfold if they are a chance of progressing further in the competition PSG 1 Valencia 1
Alan
Roar Guru
FULLTIME: PSG 1 Valencia 1
Alan
Roar Guru
Valencia force another corner here and its their last chance now.... PSG 1 Valencia 1
Alan
Roar Guru
92' - Lavezzi is fouled and PSG are just a minute away from going through to the quarter-finals despite a poor performance at home. PSG 1 Valencia 1
Alan
Roar Guru
91' - Three minutes to be added on here as Pastore is in space but his shot is blocked. Gamiero gets a shot away but he is offside. Valencia continue to hold on and remain a chance PSG 1 Valencia 1
Alan
Roar Guru
90' - Goalkick for Valencia here as PSG just try to play out the clock. Not good enough and they may get their pants pulled down here late on PSG 1 Valencia 1
Alan
Roar Guru
88' - Lavezzi does well to win possession and tries to find Pastore but Mathiew defends well and concedes the throw. PSG 1 Valencia 1
Alan
Roar Guru
87' - Valencia still controlling possession and PSG really have been poor with their pressure tonight. Valencia have been allowed to play with the ball too much tonight and PSG are now living on the edge as a result PSG 1 Valencia 1
Alan
Roar Guru
86' - Valencia build from the back now and attack here with Banega. PSG with possession through Sirigu. PSG 1 Valencia 1
Alan
Roar Guru
85' - Piatti tries to find Banega in the area but the ball is too heavy and long and PSG win the goalkick as a result but they continue to live dangerously here PSG 1 Valencia 1
Alan
Roar Guru
84' - Lavezzi wins the freekick and Pastore goes on a good run out wide before delivering a low cross that Valencia clear. PSG 1 Valencia 1
Alan
Roar Guru
83' - Sakho comes on for Lucas who has been well marked tonight by Valencia's defence. Ancelotti keen to defend their narrow advantage PSG 1 Valencia 1
Alan
Roar Guru
82' - Sirigu with a strong catch and he shuts off the danger from Banega's corner. PSG can regroup but their ability to hold on to possession has been poor tonight PSG 1 Valencia 1
Alan
Roar Guru
80' - Valencia have had many corners tonight as PSG continue to live on a knives edge here. Ten minutes remain plus added time as Valencia attack through Valdez who wins another corner PSG 1 Valencia 1
Alan
Roar Guru
79' - Valencia continue to dominate in attack despite conceding and have had the better of play throughout the match. They deserve to force this tie into extra time PSG 1 Valencia 1
Alan
Roar Guru
78' - Silva eventually clears possession away but Valencia still on the attack as Piatti produces a fine cross that Maxwell is forced to head away for another corner PSG 1 Valencia 1
Alan
Roar Guru
77' - Goalkick for PSG but still plenty of time for Valencia to salvage this tie. PSG still ahead though on away goals. Valencia attack now through Banega whose cross is blocked PSG 1 Valencia 1
Alan
Roar Guru
76' - Goalkick now for PSG as Valdez comes on for Jonas who scored Valencia's goal with a cracking strike PSG 1 Valencia 1
Alan
Roar Guru
74' - Costa gives away possession and Lavezzi is now fouled. PSG holding on at the moment to a slender advantage overall but a Valencia goal will force extra time PSG 1 Valencia 1
Alan
Roar Guru
73' - Lucas tries to keep the ball in play but its a goalkick to Valencia. PSG still unconvincing in their play despite scoring the goal PSG 1 Valencia 1