Barcelona president hopes for a Champions League showdown vs PSG – ‘It’s a match the world is waiting for’ | OneFootball

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has spoken with admiration about Paris Saint-Germain, suggesting both clubs were the most in-form and entertaining teams in European football last season.

In a series of candid remarks during an interview with CNN via FC Barcelona, Laporta reflected on the missed opportunity for the two giants to face off in a major final and expressed his hope that a showdown could finally happen this season.

Laporta believes both Barcelona and PSG were operating at the highest level throughout the last campaign and that their paths deserved to cross on the biggest stage.

“PSG performed wonderfully last season,” he began saying.

“They won the Champions League, they won the French League, they play beautiful football with a great coach, exceptional players, and a strong team as well. Unfortunately, we couldn’t play against them.”

Barça vs PSG would be phenomenal

The Barcelona president made it clear that a meeting between the Catalan side and the French champions is not just another game, it would be a global spectacle.

Laporta praised Aleksander Ceferin during the interview. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

“It’s a football match the world is waiting for. Because I believe we were the two most competitive and best-prepared teams last season.

“We hope to play against them this season so we can find out which one is better. With respect to all the other clubs, perhaps another club will emerge this season playing good football.

“But in terms of football, everyone who loves the game said last season that Barcelona and Paris were the teams in the best form and playing the best football in the world.”

Applauding new Champions League format

Laporta also took a moment to praise UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin for the introduction of the new Champions League format, which he believes has raised the quality of the competition.

“I would like to congratulate Aleksander Ceferin, the UEFA president, for organizing a new format that improves the level of competition. Ceferin is a capable man who understands football.

“And I also believe he enjoys this tournament, and surely he would like to watch a match like Paris Saint-Germain against Barcelona, whether on TV or live.

“I hope there will be this opportunity in the next season,” he explained.