Raí: "It'll get pretty emotional watching this match" | OneFootball

Two days before the first leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 tie against Liverpool, our Rouge et Bleu legend spoke to PSG TV about the big match.

In March 1997, you also faced Liverpool, in the semi-final of the Cup Winners' Cup. What memories do you have of that match?

'We played a great match and got the win in a crazy atmosphere, a year after winning the Cup Winners' Cup. We were confident, and getting a good result at the Parc des Princes (3-0) was very important. A lot happened in that match, it's hard to remember everything!'

Returning to 2025, these are two very good teams. What are your thoughts on this upcoming match?

'They are two of the form teams in Europe, and they're confident. Paris Saint-Germain show it in every game, with impressive results. Today, I believe this is the match that will attract the most attention in the footballing world. These are teams that love to play, love the ball, play vertically and press. When they have the ball, they know how to pass it around, how to keep it... Mohamed Salah at Liverpool, Bradley Barcola and Ousmane Dembélé at Paris: they have the ability to eliminate the opponent, to dismantle the defensive system. It'll get pretty emotional watching this tie, and it all starts at the Parc, like it did for us in 1997.'

The fans have an important role to play in these big European matches...

'The Paris Saint-Germain supporters set the example at big matches; they know how to motivate and make a difference. In my day, there was already a great atmosphere. It's good to look back in history for positive things, like the atmosphere, the joie de vivre and having the privilege of seeing a great match like this one. Thrilling clashes are coming thick and fast, and I hope the fans will set an example in the stands!'

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