Barcelona president wants PSG to beat Real Madrid, but not win the UCL – report

The UEFA Champions League hosts a big match tonight as Real Madrid take on Paris-Saint Germain in the second leg of their Round of 16 tie. The La Liga leaders lost the first leg 1-0 at the Parc des Princes and must win at the Santiago Bernabeu to ensure qualification.

According to reports from MARCA, Joan Laporta was heard saying during an informal conversation that he wants PSG to beat Los Blancos. He then added that he does not want the Ligue 1 leaders to go on and win it all.

Lionel Messi’s move to Paris in the summer won the French club a massive fan following, but clearly, Laporta is not one of the crowd who wishes for them to win the Champions League.

There have been rumours of bad blood between Messi and Laporta after the president opted to prioritise the club over the legendary forward’s renewal. Speaking about his decision earlier this week, the club president said:

“I had to make a decision about Messi, but I do not regret it. Noone is above the club.”

The Argentine returns to the Bernabeu on Wednesday to fight for a place in the quarterfinals of the UCL. The stadium in Madrid has been home to so many of the Argentine’s memories, and one hopes he puts up a stellar display once again.

Meanwhile, Barcelona participate in the Europa League this season after suffering a group stage elimination in the top tier. They will take on Galatasaray in the Round of 16 tomorrow.