He holds his breath.

PSG will know on Friday March 15 who their opponent will be in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, with possible big shocks in perspective: the title holder Manchester City, or even Real Madrid – potential future club of Kylian Mbappé.

Without forgetting Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Barça, Borussia Dortmund and Atlético Madrid.

In view of the five other qualified teams, the Parisians will undoubtedly inherit a great one from Europe following the draw in Nyon, Switzerland, at the UEFA headquarters.

Quarter-finalists confirmed ✅#UCL pic.twitter.com/7sYKU5LIbI

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) March 13, 2024

"I won't give you my preferences, what I know, however, is that no one wants to come across PSG," said Luis Enrique on Wednesday, who came out quite easily, at the head of the Parisian team, Real Sociedad (2-0, 2-1) in the round of 16.

As for Parisian defender Lucas Beraldo, he affirms that the team is not thinking about its future opponent: "Whoever it is, we will be prepared, then we will study the team to face it in the best possible way."

But the Parisian club may nevertheless have a more advantageous draw than another.

With the hope of dodging Manchester City, the big favorite with its stars Kevin de Bruyne and Erling Haaland, and that of finding Dortmund (2-0, 1-1 in the group stage) for less complicated opposition.

Against the Skyblues, Luis Enrique would also come across Pep Guardiola, who, like him, passed through FC Barcelona and is an absolute reference for the coaching position.

Even if it was shaken by Leipzig in the round of 16, Real Madrid will be just as difficult a draw, even more so with the context around Kylian Mbappé, who should join the Spanish capital at the end of the season.

Matches scheduled between April 9 and 17

After announcing to the management of PSG his decision to leave at the end of his contract on June 30, the French star could therefore face his potential future club under the Parisian colors in the quarter-final.

A scenario which could place Kylian Mbappé in a very uncomfortable situation.

The reunion with Bayern Munich, which eliminated the capital club last season in the round of 16, is not likely to be a gift for PSG either, even if Thomas Tuchel's team is going through a serious sporting crisis . 

In addition to Dortmund, Paris will have more of a card to play against Atletico Madrid and Arsenal, both of whom qualified on penalties against Inter Milan and FC Porto. 

The quarter-finals of the Champions League are set for April 9 and 10 (first leg) and April 16 and 17 (return match).

The first leg semi-finals, the draw of which will also take place on Friday, will be played on April 30 and May 1, while the return matches will be played on May 7 and 8.

The C1 final is scheduled for June 1 at Wembley, London.

With AFP

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