PSG Forward Makes Bold Statement on Potential Chelsea Champions League Showdown
Paris Saint-Germain forward Desire Doue has declared his team will approach any potential Champions League last-16 clash against Chelsea with unwavering confidence. The French champions secured their place in the knockout stages with a tense playoff victory over domestic rivals Monaco, setting up a crucial draw that could pit them against Premier League giants Chelsea or Spanish powerhouse Barcelona.
Nervy Victory Secures PSG's Knockout Stage Berth
Defending champions PSG were forced to navigate the Champions League playoffs after failing to finish in the top eight during the tournament's league phase. Their qualification journey culminated in a dramatic 2-2 draw against Monaco on Wednesday evening, with Luis Enrique's side ultimately progressing 5-4 on aggregate following a fiercely contested encounter.
The match saw Monaco draw level before halftime through Maghnes Akliouche's strike, only for PSG to respond with second-half goals from Marquinhos and Khvicha Kvaratskheli that restored their advantage. Monaco's Jordan Teze scored late to create a nervy finish, but the French champions held firm after Monaco defender Wout Faes missed a golden opportunity in injury time, heading wide when presented with a clear chance to equalize.
Doue's Confident Stance Ahead of Friday's Draw
With Friday's draw determining whether PSG will face Chelsea or Barcelona in next month's last-16 tie, winger Desire Doue expressed his team's readiness for either challenge. Speaking to UEFA officials, the French international emphasized PSG's positive mindset regardless of their eventual opponents.
'It's going to be two great games,' Doue stated. 'In any case, we'll approach them with a lot of confidence, and we're ready to go up against them regardless of which team it is.'
Reflecting on the victory over Monaco that secured their progression, Doue added: 'We're really happy to get through. It was so important to pass this test. We managed to show great spirit, and remained resilient, showing that by coming back from behind. [Monaco] are a great side, with a lot of quality and some top players. Every game in the Champions League is difficult. Tonight we managed to get the job done, and that's the most important thing.'
Enrique's Assessment of Potential Opponents
PSG manager Luis Enrique offered his perspective on the challenging draw ahead, acknowledging the quality of both potential opponents while specifically highlighting Chelsea's capabilities. When questioned about facing the English side, Enrique described Chelsea as a 'brilliant' team that would require specific preparation.
'Neither [Barcelona or Chelsea] will be easy,' Enrique remarked. 'Since it doesn't depend on me, I'll adapt to whatever comes. They are two incredible teams. Barca is very special to me and is already becoming a classic for me. Like Manchester City and Real Madrid. Barcelona is a unique city and the club is special. And if we get Chelsea, we'll have a few things to work on.'
Broader Champions League Landscape
The Champions League last-16 draw presents intriguing possibilities for several Premier League clubs beyond Chelsea's potential matchup with PSG:
- Arsenal will face either Bayer Leverkusen or Atalanta
- Chelsea will play either Newcastle United or PSG
- Liverpool will meet either Atletico Madrid or Galatasaray
- Manchester City will confront either Bodo/Glimt or Real Madrid
- Tottenham will compete against either Atletico Madrid or Galatasaray
- Newcastle United will challenge either Chelsea or Barcelona
Speculation continues regarding Newcastle United's potential path to the semi-finals, with analysis suggesting Eddie Howe's side could navigate a favorable draw if they overcome Qarabag in the playoffs. Their potential route would see them face Chelsea or Barcelona in the round of 16, followed by possible quarterfinal opponents including Club Brugge, Atlético Madrid, Liverpool, or Tottenham.
As European football's elite prepare for Friday's decisive draw, PSG's combination of playoff resilience and confident declarations positions them as formidable contenders regardless of their eventual opponent. The French champions' victory over Monaco demonstrated both vulnerability and determination, qualities that will be tested against either Chelsea's Premier League pedigree or Barcelona's continental experience.
