Slot machine ready to roll in mouthwatering PSG test

Could have been the final

Like Liverpool, PSG is marching relentlessly towards the French title, opening up a 13-point lead in Ligue 1 thanks to a 24-game unbeaten run in Ligue 1 this season.

But Luis Enrique's team has been less formidable in the Champions League, where it was forced into the play-off round after defeats against Arsenal, Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich left it in 15th place.

PSG set up the eagerly anticipated showdown against Liverpool by demolishing unheralded Brest 10-0 on aggregate in the play-offs.

Facing Liverpool is a challenge of a different magnitude and Enrique is well aware of the threat it poses, describing the meeting of European powerhouses as an occasion more fitting for a final.

"I know Liverpool very well, without a doubt they are the team in the best form in Europe both in terms of results and play," he said.

"It could have been a Champions League final. We're going to try to do it with our weapons."

With the second leg at Anfield on March 11, Liverpool could be tempted to take a cautious approach in Paris before feeding off the frenzied atmosphere created by its fans on European nights.

But Slot's belief that the first leg will be one for soccer purists to admire suggested he will send out Liverpool with attacking intent at the Parc des Princes.

"It's going to be a very interesting game for everybody who loves football," said the Dutchman.

"I would be surprised if people who are neutral watch a different game than that one because I think everyone, including Paris Saint-Germain and us, are looking forward to the game."

AFP