Dani Alves: PSG played ‘great football’ against Chelsea but Zlatan ban is great for Barca

DANI ALVES says Paris Saint-Germain deserve their place in the Champions League quarter-finals, where they play Barcelona on Wednesday.

PSG players at ChelseaPA

PSG beat Chelsea on aggregate to make the Champions League quarter-finals

PSG beat Chelsea on away goals after the two sides drew 3-3 over two legs and extra time in the last-16.

The Ligue 1 champions restricted Chelsea to just seven shots on target in three-and-a-half hours of football and crucially scored twice away from home to edge through.

And Alves believes Barca will have a tough time overcoming such difficult opponents over two legs in Europe.

“They’re a great team and playing great football paid off [when beating Chelsea],” he told BeIn Sport.

“I think they’re one of the best teams left in the competition. This tie can be one of the best remaining.”

Ibrahimovic receives four match ban for ref rant

Barca’s job has been made somewhat easier due to Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s one-match suspension from European competition.

The Sweden international was sent off for a late challenge on Chelsea midfielder Oscar at Stamford Bridge, although replays suggested he was unlucky to see red.

And Alves believes PSG could miss the presence of their forward, who has scored nine goals in four games since that clash.

“Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a great loss to PSG, and so are (Marco) Verratti and (Thiago) Motta,” Alves added.

“They will be missed, especially the two midfielders.”

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