Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Vitinha expects a compelling Matchday 3 encounter against Barcelona in the Champions League group stage, with both sides likely to compete for control of the ball and apply immediate pressure after losing possession.
Speaking to the club’s official programme, Vitinha said PSG were approaching the match with confidence after two demanding victories in the space of a week. He described the recent games against Manchester City and Strasbourg as difficult tests, particularly after PSG made a poor start against Strasbourg and had to fight back.
“Good, really good,” Vitinha said when asked how he felt with only 24 hours remaining before the match. “To be honest, as you said, the first two games were tough battles, extremely difficult. Against Manchester City was very hard, and it wasn’t easy at Strasbourg either; we didn’t start well and had to fight hard to come back.”
The Portugal international said the fixture with Barcelona was another major occasion for the squad and one that players and supporters were eagerly anticipating.
“Now we have another highly anticipated big match,” he added. “I think everyone is eagerly looking forward to it, expecting us to deliver a spectacular showdown. That’s what it’s all aboutparticipating in this level of top-tier competition is a tremendous honour for a player like me.”
Barcelona have made a perfect start to their Champions League campaign and, like PSG, have scored heavily. Vitinha believes the quality and attacking talent on both sides should create a high-level contest, although he acknowledged that the outcome could still take any direction once the match begins.
“Both teams are world-class, and both have many excellent players with strong individual abilities and talent,” he said. “So in some ways, it will be a bit like our match against Bayern MunichI’m not saying the game will be exactly the same, but both teams are extremely eager to control possession throughout the match and will immediately press high after losing the ball.”
He predicted a game that would be enjoyable for those watching, saying the teams’ shared approach should make for an open tactical contest.
The interview also touched on Vitinha’s distinctive goal celebration. After being told that a number six in the interviewer’s local league had copied it, the midfielder asked whether it had been performed well.
“If he does it well, I strongly encourage everyone to do this celebration more often; I shouldn’t be the only one doing it,” he said.
When reminded that the gesture had become his trademark, Vitinha replied: “Then I need to score more goals so that everyone can do the celebration more often.”
The interviewer ended by expressing hope that Vitinha would perform the headband celebration again against Barcelona and wishing him well for his upcoming press conference, where numerous reporters were waiting. Vitinha responded: “Thank you all very much!”
