Lionel Messi in the arms Neymar, 26 October 2013
Lionel Messi Neymar in the arm, October 26, 2013 – Manu Fernandez / AP / SIPA

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Pulling FC Barcelona and Juventus, Paris and Monaco inherited two monuments of European football. To my left, the Catalan institution, four Champions League (1992, 2006, 2009 and 2011) and its tradition of players chills cultivated today by Messi and Neymar. To my right, an Old Lady who loves eternal always travel across the continent (five European Cups, two C1). And in detail, this season, what happens? 20 Minutes has prepared cards for Laurent Blanc and Leonardo Jardim.



Barça

What we have to be wary. Obviously, the superhero of Barcelona’s attack are pinball. See land Messi, Neymar and Suarez is the assurance of a heart rhythm that makes the roller coaster every action. This fire trio has already scored 82 goals this season, including 43 for the Argentine genius. With these three, no right to any concentration of fault. PSG is well placed to talk about. Even in the first leg in the group stage, they had overall control, the Parisians had two goals, each time just after scorer. In play-off, it does not forgive.

The low point on which it will support. Barça sometimes experiences absences in defense, especially right side. Dani Alves, 31, is on the decline. Behind the goal at the Parc Matuidi, he had been penalized by Luis Enrique from this error (as his friend Jordi Alba matter). Suspended for the first leg, it should be replaced by Montoya. A young person who has only six games C1 in the legs. A Pastore or even a Lavezzi in a not too bad day could benefit.

They are where this season? Like Paris, Barcelona is still engaged in all possible ways. The only difference is that there is a national cup in Spain. And the final of the King’s Cup (Barcelona-Bilbao) is scheduled on May 30, so will have no impact on the quarter, unlike the Cup final PSG-Bastia League scheduled April 11, four days before the go. In the fight for the title with Real (one point separates the moment the two teams), Barça, however two matches complicated to manage amid the quarters against FC Sevilla and Valencia. No kind of teams against which we can afford to run.



Juve

What we need to beware. It is not good for the Blues, but Monaco is very good news. Paul Pobga injured will not play until late April. Juve with or without the French is not the same. Both players are above the lot. Carlos Tevez has eliminated Dortmund almost alone (three goals over the two matches, not ugly) and Andrea Pirlo, soon 36, is still the most world class player. Besides with him the faults within 25 meters of the goal are prohibited. Not easy to meet as a set …

The low point on which it will rely. The defenders Dive in “i” that dream person. The Bonucci, Chiellini, Barzagli … all strong on man but not of anticipation and above monsters whose top speed is closer to that of Berbatov as Ferreira Carrasco. The quality of Monaco in fast counters, demonstrated noisily at the Emirates can be a formidable weapon.

They are where this season? Serie A leaders with 14 (!) points ahead of Roma and eliminated in the semifinals of the Italian Cup, Massimiliano Allegri’s players have plenty of time to focus on Europe. For this great continent, to find the last four of the C1 for the first time since 2003 is clearly a priority.