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Inter 4-1 Tottenham (agg 4-4, AET): Spurs scrape through on away goals rule despite San Siro calamity
Emmanuel Adebayor scored in extra time to secure Tottenham's progression to the Europa League quarterfinals on away goals after Inter had overturned a three-goal aggregate deficit with a 4-1 win at San Siro on Thursday.
Antonio Cassano and Rodrigo Palacio put a serious dent in Spurs' 3-0 first-leg lead before the former's free kick deflected in off William Gallas with a quarter of an hour to play.
After a disastrous 90 minutes, however, Spurs responded well in extra time and Adebayor tapped in from close range after Mousa Dembele's shot was parried into his path.
Ricky Alvarez headed home to make for a tense finish but Inter could not find the fifth goal that it needed to claim a place in the last eight.
With Gareth Bale suspended and Aaron Lennon restricted to a place on the bench after injury, Dembele and Gylfi Sigurdsson started on as unorthodox wingers and Spurs' game plan was clear from the outset.
Andre Villas-Boas's team defended high up the pitch and attempted to take the sting out of any early Inter momentum by dominating possession in midfield, which it did while asking few questions of Samir Handanovic.
Cassano and Palacio, though, were always likely to take advantage of that aggressive back line given the chance and the former had tested Brad Friedel with a weak effort before he tumbled in the box from a similar position under very little contact from Gallas.
The referee was unconvinced on that occasion but Palacio was more purposeful when played in by Jonathan on the right and crossed for Cassano to head home at the back post.
Inter attacked with renewed vigor having cut into Tottenham's aggregate lead and the experienced Italy striker almost repaid the favor by setting Palacio through on goal but his chipped effort hit the crossbar.
Spurs briefly stymied the home side's flow more effectively thereafter and Sigurdsson saw his curling shot tipped around the post but Inter would threaten again before the half was out.
Palacio's cross just evaded Esteban Cambiasso and Fredy Guarin latched on to yet another pass lobbed behind the Tottenham defense before cutting back and shooting powerfully at Friedel, who parried.
Adebayor could have put the tie to bed against the run of play with the last kick of the half, striding through on goal after industrious work from Jermain Defoe had caused confusion at the back, but his attempted chip flew over the bar.
Adebayor remained a handful after the break, with one center after an imperious run down the left wing just diverted away from Jan Vertonghen by Christian Chivu, but the game was becoming increasingly stretched as the two sides traded forward thrusts.
And after Dembele had conceded possession to Cambiasso in midfield, the Argentine had plenty of time with which to pick out his compatriot Palacio, who slotted past Friedel.
That error aside, Dembele's move into central midfield after the introduction of Lewis Holtby for Defoe helped Spurs to tighten their grip on midfield until Inter leveled the tie in fortuitous circumstances.
Cassano's low free kick from the left looked to be heading wide after deflecting off the wall until Gallas ill-advisedly stuck out his leg to redirect it into the bottom corner.
Handanovic was called into action when Kyle Naughton rocketed a 25-yard shot across goal before Cambiasso wasted a chance to win it when one-on-one with Friedel after a poor sliding tackle by Gallas.
Villas-Boas introduced Lennon shortly before the end of the 90 minutes and, with the prospect of one Spurs goal leaving Inter needing to take its tally to five, the indefatigable Javier Zanetti denied the winger a shot on goal in the opening stages of extra time with an excellent sliding challenge.
From the resulting corner, Handanovic saved brilliantly from Vertonghen before Gallas sent a free header wide of the post from the next delivery.
Spurs had started the first half of the additional 30 minutes firmly on the front foot, though, and left Inter with a mountain to climb when Handanovic could only turn Dembele's shot into the path of Adebayor, who slid in to convert a crucial away goal from close range.
Inter refused to lie down and, when Cassano picked out Alvarez from the left, the substitute nodded in to give Andrea Stramaccioni's team hope but Spurs survived the inevitable late onslaught.
Emmanuel Adebayor scored in extra time to secure Tottenham's progression to the Europa League quarterfinals on away goals after Inter had overturned a three-goal aggregate deficit with a 4-1 win at San Siro on Thursday.
Antonio Cassano and Rodrigo Palacio put a serious dent in Spurs' 3-0 first-leg lead before the former's free kick deflected in off William Gallas with a quarter of an hour to play.
After a disastrous 90 minutes, however, Spurs responded well in extra time and Adebayor tapped in from close range after Mousa Dembele's shot was parried into his path.
Ricky Alvarez headed home to make for a tense finish but Inter could not find the fifth goal that it needed to claim a place in the last eight.
With Gareth Bale suspended and Aaron Lennon restricted to a place on the bench after injury, Dembele and Gylfi Sigurdsson started on as unorthodox wingers and Spurs' game plan was clear from the outset.
Andre Villas-Boas's team defended high up the pitch and attempted to take the sting out of any early Inter momentum by dominating possession in midfield, which it did while asking few questions of Samir Handanovic.
Cassano and Palacio, though, were always likely to take advantage of that aggressive back line given the chance and the former had tested Brad Friedel with a weak effort before he tumbled in the box from a similar position under very little contact from Gallas.
The referee was unconvinced on that occasion but Palacio was more purposeful when played in by Jonathan on the right and crossed for Cassano to head home at the back post.
Inter attacked with renewed vigor having cut into Tottenham's aggregate lead and the experienced Italy striker almost repaid the favor by setting Palacio through on goal but his chipped effort hit the crossbar.
Spurs briefly stymied the home side's flow more effectively thereafter and Sigurdsson saw his curling shot tipped around the post but Inter would threaten again before the half was out.
Palacio's cross just evaded Esteban Cambiasso and Fredy Guarin latched on to yet another pass lobbed behind the Tottenham defense before cutting back and shooting powerfully at Friedel, who parried.
Adebayor could have put the tie to bed against the run of play with the last kick of the half, striding through on goal after industrious work from Jermain Defoe had caused confusion at the back, but his attempted chip flew over the bar.
Adebayor remained a handful after the break, with one center after an imperious run down the left wing just diverted away from Jan Vertonghen by Christian Chivu, but the game was becoming increasingly stretched as the two sides traded forward thrusts.
And after Dembele had conceded possession to Cambiasso in midfield, the Argentine had plenty of time with which to pick out his compatriot Palacio, who slotted past Friedel.
That error aside, Dembele's move into central midfield after the introduction of Lewis Holtby for Defoe helped Spurs to tighten their grip on midfield until Inter leveled the tie in fortuitous circumstances.
Cassano's low free kick from the left looked to be heading wide after deflecting off the wall until Gallas ill-advisedly stuck out his leg to redirect it into the bottom corner.
Handanovic was called into action when Kyle Naughton rocketed a 25-yard shot across goal before Cambiasso wasted a chance to win it when one-on-one with Friedel after a poor sliding tackle by Gallas.
Villas-Boas introduced Lennon shortly before the end of the 90 minutes and, with the prospect of one Spurs goal leaving Inter needing to take its tally to five, the indefatigable Javier Zanetti denied the winger a shot on goal in the opening stages of extra time with an excellent sliding challenge.
From the resulting corner, Handanovic saved brilliantly from Vertonghen before Gallas sent a free header wide of the post from the next delivery.
Spurs had started the first half of the additional 30 minutes firmly on the front foot, though, and left Inter with a mountain to climb when Handanovic could only turn Dembele's shot into the path of Adebayor, who slid in to convert a crucial away goal from close range.
Inter refused to lie down and, when Cassano picked out Alvarez from the left, the substitute nodded in to give Andrea Stramaccioni's team hope but Spurs survived the inevitable late onslaught.
Inter 4-1 Tottenham (agg 4-4, AET): Spurs scrape through on away goals rule despite San Siro calamity
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Southampton handed hefty fine for referee protest in Norwich clash
Saints players remonstrated with referee Mark Clattenburg when he awarded the Canaries a penalty in injury time, only for Artur Boruc to save Grant Holt's spot kick.
Southampton has been fined 20,000 pounds for failing to control its players during Saturday's goalless draw with Norwich, the Football Association has confirmed.
Saints players surrounded referee Mark Clattenburg after he awarded a penalty for a foul by Luke Shaw on Grant Holt in injury time. Artur Boruc saved Holt's subsequent penalty, and the game ended level.
It is not the first incident that Clattenburg has been involved in this season, as he was at the center of a controversy earlier in the campaign involving claims from Chelsea players that he racially abused John Obi Mikel before being cleared of the allegations.
On Friday, the FA confirmed that Southampton admitted to a charge of failing to control its players and had issued the fine as a result. Southampton has won just one of the seven matches it has played under new boss Mauricio Pochettino and sits 16th in the Premier League table as it attempts to stave off relegation.
Saints players remonstrated with referee Mark Clattenburg when he awarded the Canaries a penalty in injury time, only for Artur Boruc to save Grant Holt's spot kick.
Southampton has been fined 20,000 pounds for failing to control its players during Saturday's goalless draw with Norwich, the Football Association has confirmed.
Saints players surrounded referee Mark Clattenburg after he awarded a penalty for a foul by Luke Shaw on Grant Holt in injury time. Artur Boruc saved Holt's subsequent penalty, and the game ended level.
It is not the first incident that Clattenburg has been involved in this season, as he was at the center of a controversy earlier in the campaign involving claims from Chelsea players that he racially abused John Obi Mikel before being cleared of the allegations.
On Friday, the FA confirmed that Southampton admitted to a charge of failing to control its players and had issued the fine as a result. Southampton has won just one of the seven matches it has played under new boss Mauricio Pochettino and sits 16th in the Premier League table as it attempts to stave off relegation.
JoaquiJoaquin: We will give 200 percent against Dortmundn: We will give 200 percent against Dortmund
The Spain international cannot wait to take on the next challenge in the Champions League, but admits his side is expected to get beat Joaquin says Malaga will give 200 percent in the Champions League quarterfinal clash against Borussia Dortmund.
The Andalusians progressed to the last eight at the expense of Portoand the Spanish winger knows they will have to give everything in order to defeat a more experienced team in the form of Jurgen Klopp's men.
"Dortmund are a team used to playing in these type of games," the 31-year-old told UEFA.com. "They are a strong team who play good football; we will give 200 percent in order to qualify. We want the tie to come as quickly as possible.
"However, we will have a chance of getting through if we compete as we have been doing.
"We must give Dortmund our maximum respect."
BVB travels to Spain in the first leg on April 3 before La Liga's fourth-placed team goes to Signal Iduna Park for the second leg on April 9.
The Spain international cannot wait to take on the next challenge in the Champions League, but admits his side is expected to get beat Joaquin says Malaga will give 200 percent in the Champions League quarterfinal clash against Borussia Dortmund.
The Andalusians progressed to the last eight at the expense of Portoand the Spanish winger knows they will have to give everything in order to defeat a more experienced team in the form of Jurgen Klopp's men.
"Dortmund are a team used to playing in these type of games," the 31-year-old told UEFA.com. "They are a strong team who play good football; we will give 200 percent in order to qualify. We want the tie to come as quickly as possible.
"However, we will have a chance of getting through if we compete as we have been doing.
"We must give Dortmund our maximum respect."
BVB travels to Spain in the first leg on April 3 before La Liga's fourth-placed team goes to Signal Iduna Park for the second leg on April 9.
Conte: Juventus is the underdog for Bayern clash
The Bianconeri coach believes the showdown between the current league leaders in Italy and Germany will be a terrific contest and insists die Roten will have the advantage Juventus coach Antonio Conte claims Bayern Munich have the upper hand heading into their Champions League quarterfinal clash.
The four-time European Cup winner was a finalist but lost out to Chelsea on penalties, while this season, they have a comfortable lead at the top of the Bundesliga.
Conte believes with their experience and their ability to take their foot off the pedal domestically, Jupp Heynckes' men must be considered the favorites for this encounter.
“We were aware that the quarterfinals would present us with a challenging fixture. After Chelsea we’re now playing last year’s second finalists Bayern," the 43-year-old told the official Juventus club site.
“They’re one of the most consistent sides on a European level and will have the advantage of their great experience accumulated over the years. They’ll also be able to take their minds off the league, given their 20-point lead at the top."
Juventus has not won the Champions League since 1996 and, while he is happy to be back in the latter stages of Europe's premier club competition, Conte says the dream of winning the tournament is a constant motivation.He added: “The game will certainly be a stimulating affair and we’ll experience it with maximum calmness, concentration and joy.
"We’re chasing a dream and want to enjoy this experience all the way until the end. Last year we watched the Champions League on our sofas at home. This year we’re back playing a key role.”
The Bianconeri coach believes the showdown between the current league leaders in Italy and Germany will be a terrific contest and insists die Roten will have the advantage Juventus coach Antonio Conte claims Bayern Munich have the upper hand heading into their Champions League quarterfinal clash.
The four-time European Cup winner was a finalist but lost out to Chelsea on penalties, while this season, they have a comfortable lead at the top of the Bundesliga.
Conte believes with their experience and their ability to take their foot off the pedal domestically, Jupp Heynckes' men must be considered the favorites for this encounter.
“We were aware that the quarterfinals would present us with a challenging fixture. After Chelsea we’re now playing last year’s second finalists Bayern," the 43-year-old told the official Juventus club site.
“They’re one of the most consistent sides on a European level and will have the advantage of their great experience accumulated over the years. They’ll also be able to take their minds off the league, given their 20-point lead at the top."
Juventus has not won the Champions League since 1996 and, while he is happy to be back in the latter stages of Europe's premier club competition, Conte says the dream of winning the tournament is a constant motivation.He added: “The game will certainly be a stimulating affair and we’ll experience it with maximum calmness, concentration and joy.
"We’re chasing a dream and want to enjoy this experience all the way until the end. Last year we watched the Champions League on our sofas at home. This year we’re back playing a key role.”
PSG sporting director Leonardo denies Rooney bid
The Brazilian was coy on a move for the reportedly unsettled Manchester United striker, insisting that no approach has been made and his team's sole focus is on-field matters Paris Saint-Germain sporting director Leonardo has denied making any approach for the reportedly unsettled Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney.
The Qatari-backed Ligue 1 giants have become a spending powerhouse in European football in recent years, with the likes of Lucas Moura, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva all making the move to the French capital.
And with rumors rife that Rooney and Sir Alex Ferguson are not seeing eye to eye at Old Trafford, PSG has been mooted as a potential destination for the England international, although Leonardo remained coy on the club's possible attempts to sign Rooney as well as other high-profile stars.
"I think, a little bit, that PSG became a team that [people think] can buy all the players," he told Sky Sports News.
"I think that now we are in the opposite sense of other clubs in terms of economic problems, that's why. It's nice to see that some big players - not only Rooney - want to come, it's something we are happy about. But Rooney is one of the best players in the world.
"We never approach anyone, never talked with anyone, and if one day we do, the first one who will know will be Manchester United. That is not the case now, there is nothing, nothing, nothing."
The former AC Milan manager made it clear that the Parisians will not discuss players from other teams and are concentrating solely on their hunt for an unprecedented treble after being drawn against Barcelona in the quarterfinal of the Champions League.
"So, we never move for any other player, not only Rooney," Leonardo told Sky Sports. "Our moment now is the French Championship, to play against Barcelona and also the French Cup."
The Brazilian was coy on a move for the reportedly unsettled Manchester United striker, insisting that no approach has been made and his team's sole focus is on-field matters Paris Saint-Germain sporting director Leonardo has denied making any approach for the reportedly unsettled Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney.
The Qatari-backed Ligue 1 giants have become a spending powerhouse in European football in recent years, with the likes of Lucas Moura, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva all making the move to the French capital.
And with rumors rife that Rooney and Sir Alex Ferguson are not seeing eye to eye at Old Trafford, PSG has been mooted as a potential destination for the England international, although Leonardo remained coy on the club's possible attempts to sign Rooney as well as other high-profile stars.
"I think, a little bit, that PSG became a team that [people think] can buy all the players," he told Sky Sports News.
"I think that now we are in the opposite sense of other clubs in terms of economic problems, that's why. It's nice to see that some big players - not only Rooney - want to come, it's something we are happy about. But Rooney is one of the best players in the world.
"We never approach anyone, never talked with anyone, and if one day we do, the first one who will know will be Manchester United. That is not the case now, there is nothing, nothing, nothing."
The former AC Milan manager made it clear that the Parisians will not discuss players from other teams and are concentrating solely on their hunt for an unprecedented treble after being drawn against Barcelona in the quarterfinal of the Champions League.
"So, we never move for any other player, not only Rooney," Leonardo told Sky Sports. "Our moment now is the French Championship, to play against Barcelona and also the French Cup."
Chelsea and Tottenham are Europa League heavyweights, says Rui Costa
The Benfica sporting director says he is pleased to have avoided the two London clubs in Friday's draw, but still has a lot respect for his club's next opponent, Newcastle.
Benfica's director of football Rui Costa says Chelsea and Tottenham are favorites for the UEFA Europa League crown.
The Eagleswill play Newcastle in the quarterfinals after avoiding the two London clubs, and the two legs will be played on April 4 and 11, with the first match being played in Portugal. The Lisbon-based club tops the Primeira Liga table, and the former AC Milan midfielder was pleased to not have to play the two other English clubs still in the competition, citing them as the two strongest teams left.
Chelsea was drawn against Russian club Rubin Kazan, while Tottenham will face Swiss side FC Basel.
"They're [Chelsea and Spurs] the biggest favorites in this competition. But we most focus on this game, and not focus on whether we are playing against the favorites or not," Rui Costa said.
Benfica enjoyed a 4-2 aggregate win against Bordeaux to progress to the last eight, but the 40-year-old says the next European encounter will be far from a formality.
"None of the games in this competition are easy, but it was a very difficult match against Bordeaux, and it will be against Newcastle. We must be ready and prepared to come up against an important side," Rui Costa said. "They are a very good side, and they have great players. They may not be playing well in the Premier League, but they did very well last year and are an example of a very positive team, a very offensive team with great players. They deserve our respect and they will certainly have our greatest attention."
The Benfica sporting director says he is pleased to have avoided the two London clubs in Friday's draw, but still has a lot respect for his club's next opponent, Newcastle.
Benfica's director of football Rui Costa says Chelsea and Tottenham are favorites for the UEFA Europa League crown.
The Eagleswill play Newcastle in the quarterfinals after avoiding the two London clubs, and the two legs will be played on April 4 and 11, with the first match being played in Portugal. The Lisbon-based club tops the Primeira Liga table, and the former AC Milan midfielder was pleased to not have to play the two other English clubs still in the competition, citing them as the two strongest teams left.
Chelsea was drawn against Russian club Rubin Kazan, while Tottenham will face Swiss side FC Basel.
"They're [Chelsea and Spurs] the biggest favorites in this competition. But we most focus on this game, and not focus on whether we are playing against the favorites or not," Rui Costa said.
Benfica enjoyed a 4-2 aggregate win against Bordeaux to progress to the last eight, but the 40-year-old says the next European encounter will be far from a formality.
"None of the games in this competition are easy, but it was a very difficult match against Bordeaux, and it will be against Newcastle. We must be ready and prepared to come up against an important side," Rui Costa said. "They are a very good side, and they have great players. They may not be playing well in the Premier League, but they did very well last year and are an example of a very positive team, a very offensive team with great players. They deserve our respect and they will certainly have our greatest attention."
Kluivert: PSG will struggle against Barcelona
The former Blaugrana striker believes having the second leg in Spain will be tough for the Ligue 1 leader, with the size and quality of Barcelona's pitch a key factor.
Former Barcelona striker Patrick Kluivert believes Paris Saint-Germain faces an uphill battle in its Champions League quarterfinal with the Catalan giants.
In an exclusive interview with Goal.com, Kluivert insists with talisman Zlatan Ibrahimovic suspended for the first leg, and the second leg being played at Camp Nou, both factors will make it harder for the Ligue 1 side to progress.
"It's going to be very difficult. Without Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the first game in their own stadium will be difficult, but the most important thing is that they play the second game in Barcelona, playing on a pitch which is 105 metres by 68 metres," Kuivert said. "It's very difficult to defend on that, because if you defend in the midfield you give them more space between the lines. If you defend outside, you leave space inside, so it will be very difficult to work out how they can beat Barcelona."
The 36-year-old Kluivert believes the difference in pitch size between Camp Nou and San Siro was also a key factor in the differing results in Barcelona's last-16 tie with Milan.
"The pitch at San Siro is a lot smaller, and that wasn't good for playing their possession game. But at Camp Nou they cut the grass with scissors, it's like a snooker table, and that's what's right for their possession game. If they are feeling good and their players are ready, you will have difficulties."
Kluivert was in Nyon to make the draw for the quarterfinals of the Europa League, and he believes an all-English final in that competition is a distinct possibility. Tottenham, Chelsea and Newcastle are still alive and will play FC Basel, Rubin Kazan and Benfica, respectively.
"It's very possible, because if I had drawn two English teams then one English team was already out, so it's very possible that we could have an English final," Kluivert said.
The former Blaugrana striker believes having the second leg in Spain will be tough for the Ligue 1 leader, with the size and quality of Barcelona's pitch a key factor.
Former Barcelona striker Patrick Kluivert believes Paris Saint-Germain faces an uphill battle in its Champions League quarterfinal with the Catalan giants.
In an exclusive interview with Goal.com, Kluivert insists with talisman Zlatan Ibrahimovic suspended for the first leg, and the second leg being played at Camp Nou, both factors will make it harder for the Ligue 1 side to progress.
"It's going to be very difficult. Without Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the first game in their own stadium will be difficult, but the most important thing is that they play the second game in Barcelona, playing on a pitch which is 105 metres by 68 metres," Kuivert said. "It's very difficult to defend on that, because if you defend in the midfield you give them more space between the lines. If you defend outside, you leave space inside, so it will be very difficult to work out how they can beat Barcelona."
The 36-year-old Kluivert believes the difference in pitch size between Camp Nou and San Siro was also a key factor in the differing results in Barcelona's last-16 tie with Milan.
"The pitch at San Siro is a lot smaller, and that wasn't good for playing their possession game. But at Camp Nou they cut the grass with scissors, it's like a snooker table, and that's what's right for their possession game. If they are feeling good and their players are ready, you will have difficulties."
Kluivert was in Nyon to make the draw for the quarterfinals of the Europa League, and he believes an all-English final in that competition is a distinct possibility. Tottenham, Chelsea and Newcastle are still alive and will play FC Basel, Rubin Kazan and Benfica, respectively.
"It's very possible, because if I had drawn two English teams then one English team was already out, so it's very possible that we could have an English final," Kluivert said.
Zubizarreta: PSG is a dangerous opponent
Barcelona's sporting director believes the French outfit will pose a serious threat, particularly as it has some former Blaugrana players in its ranks.
Even though Barcelona avoided drawing the likes of Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, the club's sporting director, Andoni Zubizarreta, says Paris Saint-Germain will be tough opponents in the quarterfinals of the Champions League.
The Liga leader looked to be staring into the Champions League abyss after a 2-0 first-leg defeat to AC Milan in the last 16, but a stunning 4-0 turnaround at Camp Nou ensured it would be in the draw for the last eight. Zubizarreta believes playing the second at leg at home in the tie will be an advantage, but concedes the Ligue 1 leader is a dangerous side.
"We have to look on playing the return game in Barcelona as being positive," Zubizarreta told reporters. "PSG have very good players with a lot of talent. With their experience and knowledge of playing these types of games I am sure they will be challenging right until the end [of the tie].
"They are very competitive and we will be coming up against several players we know quite well."
Former Barca striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is PSG's main threat, but he will be suspended for the first leg as he concludes his ban for the red card he received in the round of 16 first leg againts Valencia. PSG midfielder Thiago Motta also used to play for the Blaugrana, suiting up for the Catalans from 2001-2007.
PSG midfielder David Beckham is also well-versed in all things Barcelona dating back to his time with the club's chief rival, Real Madrid.
The first leg will take place at Parc des Princes on April 2, with the return fixture at Camp Nou slated for April 10.
Barcelona's sporting director believes the French outfit will pose a serious threat, particularly as it has some former Blaugrana players in its ranks.
Even though Barcelona avoided drawing the likes of Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, the club's sporting director, Andoni Zubizarreta, says Paris Saint-Germain will be tough opponents in the quarterfinals of the Champions League.
The Liga leader looked to be staring into the Champions League abyss after a 2-0 first-leg defeat to AC Milan in the last 16, but a stunning 4-0 turnaround at Camp Nou ensured it would be in the draw for the last eight. Zubizarreta believes playing the second at leg at home in the tie will be an advantage, but concedes the Ligue 1 leader is a dangerous side.
"We have to look on playing the return game in Barcelona as being positive," Zubizarreta told reporters. "PSG have very good players with a lot of talent. With their experience and knowledge of playing these types of games I am sure they will be challenging right until the end [of the tie].
"They are very competitive and we will be coming up against several players we know quite well."
Former Barca striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is PSG's main threat, but he will be suspended for the first leg as he concludes his ban for the red card he received in the round of 16 first leg againts Valencia. PSG midfielder Thiago Motta also used to play for the Blaugrana, suiting up for the Catalans from 2001-2007.
PSG midfielder David Beckham is also well-versed in all things Barcelona dating back to his time with the club's chief rival, Real Madrid.
The first leg will take place at Parc des Princes on April 2, with the return fixture at Camp Nou slated for April 10.
Mourinho's history with Galatasaray duo will count for nothing, insists Butragueno
The Real Madrid boss will come up against his former players Wesley Sneijder and Didier Drogba, but the club's director thinks that their relationships will be put to the side.
NYON, Switzerland -- Real Madrid director Emilio Butragueno believes friendships will count for nothing when Blancos boss Jose Mourinho and Galatasaray duo Wesley Sneijder and Didier Drogba clash in the quarterfinals of the Champions League.
The draw was conducted on Friday morning, and the Liga giants will fancy their chances of progressing after avoiding favorite Barcelona as well as Bundesliga leader Bayern Munich and Serie A table-topper Juventus.
Butragueno says despite the history shared between the Portuguese coach and the Gala players whom he coached - Drogba at Chelsea and Sneijder at Inter - the friendship will not affect Mourinho's desire for victory.
"They have an extraordinary relationship, but that happens quite often, and now they have different goals and they will do their best to help Galatasaray," Butragueno told Goal.com. "Mourinho will of course want us to be here again for the semifinal draw and before the game and after the game I'm sure [they'll talk], but during the game we will be focused on our goals."
The former Spain striker is well aware of the threat Sneijder and Drogba will pose on the field, too.
"Galatasaray are here because they deserve to be here," Butragueno said. "They have a very good team, and with Drogba and Sneijder they are stronger, so we have to be very respectful because they have shown they are very competitive.
"With the first leg at home, we need a good result to take to Turkey. There'll be an incredible atmosphere over there."
With Barcelona and Real Madrid having avoided each other in the quarterfinals there is now a possibility that the Liga giants could face each other in the final, but Butragueno is only focused on the game at hand.
"That's very far ahead so we have to be focused on Galatasaray, try to do our best, try to qualify for the semifinals, and then we'll see."
The Real Madrid boss will come up against his former players Wesley Sneijder and Didier Drogba, but the club's director thinks that their relationships will be put to the side.
NYON, Switzerland -- Real Madrid director Emilio Butragueno believes friendships will count for nothing when Blancos boss Jose Mourinho and Galatasaray duo Wesley Sneijder and Didier Drogba clash in the quarterfinals of the Champions League.
The draw was conducted on Friday morning, and the Liga giants will fancy their chances of progressing after avoiding favorite Barcelona as well as Bundesliga leader Bayern Munich and Serie A table-topper Juventus.
Butragueno says despite the history shared between the Portuguese coach and the Gala players whom he coached - Drogba at Chelsea and Sneijder at Inter - the friendship will not affect Mourinho's desire for victory.
"They have an extraordinary relationship, but that happens quite often, and now they have different goals and they will do their best to help Galatasaray," Butragueno told Goal.com. "Mourinho will of course want us to be here again for the semifinal draw and before the game and after the game I'm sure [they'll talk], but during the game we will be focused on our goals."
The former Spain striker is well aware of the threat Sneijder and Drogba will pose on the field, too.
"Galatasaray are here because they deserve to be here," Butragueno said. "They have a very good team, and with Drogba and Sneijder they are stronger, so we have to be very respectful because they have shown they are very competitive.
"With the first leg at home, we need a good result to take to Turkey. There'll be an incredible atmosphere over there."
With Barcelona and Real Madrid having avoided each other in the quarterfinals there is now a possibility that the Liga giants could face each other in the final, but Butragueno is only focused on the game at hand.
"That's very far ahead so we have to be focused on Galatasaray, try to do our best, try to qualify for the semifinals, and then we'll see."
Mancini: Kompany, Aguero out of Everton game, will return for Newcastle
City has been without their captain since January while the Argentine striker has struggled with a knee injury, but the manager says they will be back for the Newcastle clash Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has revealed that Vincent Kompany and Sergio Aguero will miss Saturday's match against Everton, but both should be back for the clash against Newcastle on March 30.
Club captain Kompany has been out since suffering a calf injury during the FA Cup fourth-round victory against Stoke in January, and Mancini admits that losing him for this long has been a "big problem" for his team.
Aguero has been in Argentina undergoing treatment on a knee injury, and he has not featured since Feb. 24. His national side had hoped he could play in its upcoming World Cup qualifying games against Venezuela and Bolivia, but Mancini has revealed that he will return to Manchester.
"Sergio is in Argentina but he will come back on Sunday," Mancini told reporters. "Vincent is not in our plans for [Saturday]. But I think he will be ready for the Newcastle game, like Sergio.
"It is difficult. Vincent is a really important player for us and now it is 45 days he has been out. It is a big problem."
The Premier League champions face a tough trip to Goodison Park to face Everton, who Mancini says plays at "200 percent" at all times.
"Every game against Everton is very hard," Mancini said. "They are a top team who always play at 200 percent. They have good players and a good manager."
City has been without their captain since January while the Argentine striker has struggled with a knee injury, but the manager says they will be back for the Newcastle clash Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has revealed that Vincent Kompany and Sergio Aguero will miss Saturday's match against Everton, but both should be back for the clash against Newcastle on March 30.
Club captain Kompany has been out since suffering a calf injury during the FA Cup fourth-round victory against Stoke in January, and Mancini admits that losing him for this long has been a "big problem" for his team.
Aguero has been in Argentina undergoing treatment on a knee injury, and he has not featured since Feb. 24. His national side had hoped he could play in its upcoming World Cup qualifying games against Venezuela and Bolivia, but Mancini has revealed that he will return to Manchester.
"Sergio is in Argentina but he will come back on Sunday," Mancini told reporters. "Vincent is not in our plans for [Saturday]. But I think he will be ready for the Newcastle game, like Sergio.
"It is difficult. Vincent is a really important player for us and now it is 45 days he has been out. It is a big problem."
The Premier League champions face a tough trip to Goodison Park to face Everton, who Mancini says plays at "200 percent" at all times.
"Every game against Everton is very hard," Mancini said. "They are a top team who always play at 200 percent. They have good players and a good manager."
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