CUBARSI KEY TO BARCA'S UPTICK

The I7-year-old has helped solidify their backline, but now he faces Mbappe test

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The resurrection of Barcelona's defence gives the Spanish champions hope ahead of their Champions League duel with Paris Saint-Germain on April 10, and youngster Pau Cubarsi's emergence has played a major role.

The 17-year-old centre back has become essential for coach Xavi Hernandez and made his debut for the Spanish national team in March, highlighting his meteoric rise.

Cubarsi has shown he can handle pressure at the elite level - just as well, for he will face arguably the world's finest forward in PSG's Kylian Mbappe, in their quarterfinal, first-leg clash in Paris.

Facing Mbappe is a huge challenge for the teenager, who has been crucial in reviving a Barcelona rearguard which has spent much of the season in tatters.

Last season, the Catalan side conceded just 20 goals in their conquest of La Liga, but they had shipped 21 by late December of the current campaign.

Scrambling for solutions, Xavi gave Cubarsi his first start against Real Betis in January and he has rapidly established himself, helping Barcelona reach the Champions League last eight for the first time in four seasons.

Xavi, not yet all-in on the teenager by the time Barcelona faced Napoli in the last-16, first leg in February, opted for Inigo Martinez instead.