Lucas Moura, the former Paris Saint-Germain winger now at Tottenham, has expressed deep admiration for his longtime friend and former teammate Marquinhos, as the PSG captain prepares for the second leg of the Champions League semi-final on Wednesday. The tie hangs in the balance after PSG edged a thrilling 5-4 victory in the first leg.
Moura, who played alongside Marquinhos at PSG from 2013 until his departure in 2018, recalled how he welcomed the young Brazilian defender when he first arrived at the club. “I remember when Marquinhos came to PSG in 2013. I was already there, and I tried to help him settle,” Moura said in an interview. “Now seeing him as captain, leading the team in such important matches, it makes me proud. He’s a champion, my brother!”
The bond between the two Brazilians has remained strong despite Moura’s move to England. Marquinhos, now 29, has become the cornerstone of PSG’s defense and a symbol of the club’s resilience. Under his leadership, PSG have won multiple domestic titles and reached their first Champions League final in 2020.
The semi-final second leg carries immense weight. PSG’s 5-4 advantage from the first leg leaves them vulnerable but in control. A draw or defeat by fewer than two goals would see them advance. However, the tie is far from decided, and Marquinhos will need to marshal his backline against a formidable opponent.
For Moura, this is a moment to reflect on Marquinhos’ journey from a raw talent to a seasoned captain. “He always had the mentality of a winner. Even as a young player, he was focused and determined. Now he’s the leader of a top club in Europe,” Moura noted. “I’m just a fan watching him from afar, and I hope he can lift the Champions League trophy this year.”
The Champions League has been PSG’s obsession for years. With global superstars like Kylian Mbappé, Neymar, and Marco Verratti, the team has consistently dominated domestically but fallen short in Europe. Marquinhos has been a constant presence through both success and disappointment.
If PSG manage to overcome this semi-final hurdle, they would set up a final against the winner of the other semi-final. For Marquinhos, it would be a chance to avenge the 2020 final loss to Bayern Munich. For Moura, it would be a moment of vicarious triumph.
The second leg kicks off on Wednesday at 21:00 CET. PSG will need to show defensive solidity while maintaining their attacking flair. Marquinhos will be the key to balancing those demands.
Based on reporting from Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continu.