Paris Saint-Germain were hailed in the French press on Thursday for their valiant effort against Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-final. After last week's first leg ended 2-2, PSG travelled to the Catalan giant's Camp Nou on Wednesday night with a semi-final berth there for the taking. When Javier Pastore gave the French outsiders the lead after half time, an upset was on the cards, until Barca summoned Lionel Messi from the bench and Pedro fired home 19 minutes from time to level the tie 3-3 and put the Spaniards through on away goals.

Paris Saint Germain and gay rights campaigners on Wednesday criticised controversial English midfielder Joey Barton after he insulted Paris Saint-Germain and Brazil captain Thiago Silva on Twitter. Barton, who is currently on loan at Ligue 1 club Marseille from Queen's Park Rangers, took to Twitter to describe Silva as a "pussy" and "a overweight ladyboy". PSG immediately issued a statement dubbing Barton's comments "unacceptable".

All thoughts may currently be on next week's Champions League quarter-final tie with Barcelona, but Paris Saint-Germain must first negotiate a potentially tricky Ligue 1 encounter with Montpellier on Friday. The Ligue 1 leaders face the Catalans at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday in the first-leg of a tie that has generated huge excitement in the French capital, and their meeting with the reigning champions has been brought forward to aid their European preparations.

Barcelona full-back Adriano will miss his side's Champions League quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain after suffering a torn hamstring, the Spanish club said Sunday. The Brazilian was forced off after just 23 minutes of his side's clash with Rayo Vallecano on Sunday as is expected to be out for four to six weeks. "Adriano suffered a tear in his right hamstring and is expected to be out between four and six weeks," said a statement. kca/dj