Barcelona-PSG rematch will thrill the world, but take a heavy toll on Luis Enrique

Barcelona hosting Paris Saint-Germain successful the UEFA Champions League has a large accidental of being the best, astir dramatic, thrilling lucifer anyplace successful the satellite this week.

Last clip they met, 17 months ago, the Catalans won brilliantly successful the French superior and the Parisians replied with a punishing triumph successful Barcelona. That tit-for-tat conflict treated america to 10 goals portion erstwhile Barça manager Luis Enrique inspired his caller squad done to the Champions League semifinals successful his debut season.

Given that 8 of the apical 12 players successful past week's Ballon d'Or ranking were scheduled to decorate Wednesday's match, determination has been understandable absorption connected the wounded lists: Raphinha, Gavi, Ousmane Dembélé, Marquinhos, Désiré Doué and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia each out; positive doubts of varying degrees situation João Neves, Fabián Ruiz and Vitinha.

But this is simply a gathering that tin permission participants successful tatters, irrespective of the carnal oregon intelligence authorities successful which they attack it.

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Of the 3 I person successful mind, lone 2 are scheduled to spell toe-to-toe again this time: Luis Enrique and Ronald Araújo. The different is Xavi Hernández, who, defeated and sent disconnected connected the nighttime successful April past year, lone coached the nine helium passionately loves for 7 much matches earlier they sacked him.

With that glimpse of Champions League glory (a imaginable semifinal against Borussia Dortmund and what would, hypothetically, person been Barça's 3rd Wembley final, this clip a Clásico against Real Madrid laic ahead) portion starring 4-2 connected aggregate with 72% of the necktie played, Xavi's hopes of keeping his occupation disappeared. Such are the vagaries of shot management.

However, it's the 2 survivors who should involvement you.

Since that season, since knocking retired the nine helium adores, astatine which he's a socio (club member), and the nine wherever helium won 16 trophies arsenic subordinate and manager crossed 14 years, Luis Enrique is à la mode, arsenic the French would say. He's won 9 of the 11 trophies avai...