Europa League: BATE Borisov vs. Paris Saint Germain
Ligue 1 contenders Paris Saint Germain travel to icy Belorussia tonight to face a BATE side that has surprisingly been very good in the Europa League this season.
Coming into the tournament, little was expected from the Eastern European side but they set a benchmark for themselves when they beat Maritimo in the play-offs and did well to progress through to the next round from the group stages.
Losing their last two matches in the group stages and having not played a single competitive match since December, BATE will have to work harder to make their home advantage count against a very good PSG side.
Les Parisiens have had a very busy last two months recently with domestic challenges in the league and the cup. But over the last fortnight or so, they have fallen off the pace to lift the Ligue 1 title.
First they suffered an away defeat at the hands of Rennes and then they were held to a draw at home to Lens this weekend. Coach, Antoine Kombouare, is suspended for this game but PSG have been the team to watch in the Europa League this season. They have
been unbeaten in this competition and came out on top of the group that had Borussia Dortmund and Seville.
Group form
BATE Borisov
The Belarusians were in Group E that contained the likes of Dynamo Kyiv, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/AZ-c38571 Alkmaar, and FC Sheriff. They managed to get 10 points from six games and finished the group stage in 2nd place, behind Dynamo Kyiv.
Few would now consider the Belarusians as mere pushovers after they did so well in such a strong group. Although, they lost their last two games against Kyiv and AZ respectively, they had already qualified for the last 32 having won 3 games and drawing just
one before the last two defeats.
PSG
Le Parisiens may have fallen off the pace in the French Ligue 1 but they are proving to be a very good side in Europe. They were definitely the best team of Group J where they swept aside Seville, eliminated Dortmund and whipped Karpaty. They finished their
group in 1st place with 12 points.
They beat Seville and Karpaty both home and away while drew both games with Dortmund. Heading into the last 32, PSG have quality players in Nene and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Guillaume-Hoarau-c15332, who have been in superb form of late and will do well to make a difference when they face
a tough Borisov side in the icy conditions of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Belarus-c2849.
Player to Watch
Nene (PSG)
The Brazilian is having the best season of his life at PSG and has a great chance to do a treble with as Le Parisiens are still in contention for the Ligue 1, Coupe de http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/France-c2899 and the Europa League. The 29 year old Brazilian has scored 3 goals in 5 games
so far and has one assist to his name.
The 29-year old is a very influential playmaker, who specializes in dead ball situations. His long passing range is something that PSG have benefited from all season. One seething pass can literally cut a formidable defence in two and he will be looking
to do that again.
Prediction
The young Belarusian side has been winning praises from all European quarters and it is not safe to say that PSG will dismantle the side. Although PSG are still undefeated in this competition so far, the run may even come to an end tonight. Even a draw would
give PSG a great chance to qualify for the next round as they will play the replay of this tie at home.
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