Leinster is gearing up to compete in the match of the Investec Cup Champions Cup, at Croke Park month if they manage to secure a win against La Rochelle this weekend.
The Aviva Stadium will not be available for the game due to preparations for the Europa League Final.
In March the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) agreed to open up Croke Park for the match.
If Leinster emerges victorious on Saturday they will face off against either Northampton or the Bulls at Croke Park over the weekend in May.
It’s worth noting that Croke Park hosted an all Irish European Cup semi final in 2009, where Leinster defeated Munster 25 6 on their way to clinching the title.
The recent decision by GAA has paved the way for both rugby and soccer events to take place at Croke Park in months.
Additionally from 2007 to 2010 while Lansdowne Road was undergoing transformation into Aviva Stadium Croke Park served as the venue for rugby and football internationals.
If La Rochelle emerges victorious at the Aviva Stadium this weekend they will. Face Northampton at Stadium MK in Milton Keynes. Meet with The Bulls at a UK location.
Should Harlequins win in Bordeaux and Exeter triumph in Toulouse this weekend there could potentially be an all English semi final held at Ashton Gate Stadium, in Bristol.
If Toulouse reaches the semi finals they will have the advantage of playing at home. On the hand if Bordeaux and Exeter secure wins the semi final match would take place in Bordeaux.
In a turn of events Raphinhas cleverly scored goal and Andreas Christensens header gave Barcelona an edge as they head into the second leg scheduled for April 16.
“Barça is still alive and thats something we should be proud of ” remarked Barcelona manager Xavi to reporters following their Champions League match since 2020.
“We knew how to approach our game against one of the teams, in the world. It may be a lead. Its a victory that brings more excitement to our city and fans.”
Meanwhile PSG will be disappointed with letting go of their lead in front of their home crowd.
Despite coming into the game with a 27 match streak PSG faced a Blaugrana side that successfully contained PSG star Kylian Mbappé.
The talented French forward who has scored six goals in this seasons tournament appeared frustrated at Parc des Princes as he struggled to make an impact, on the game.
Even though falling behind initially PSG had control over the match in the hour after scoring two quick goals within three minutes.
Winger Ousmane Dembélé scored a goal in the minute to level the score, followed by Vitinha calmly giving his team the lead in the 51st minute.
Barcelona responded with a display of skill, in the minute. Midfielder Pedri made a pass to Raphinha, who expertly controlled the ball before scoring a volley into the bottom corner of the net.
15 minutes later Barcelona went ahead again as Christensen headed in a corner after goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma failed to gather the cross
Former Barcelona manager and current PSG coach Luis Enrique expressed his thoughts to reporters after the game saying, “Every defeat is painful. I believe we put on a performance, against a strong opponent.”
“We will address what didn’t work. Acknowledge the significance of such a match. We are heading to Barcelona with determination and optimism. Viewing it as a final gives us confidence that we can win there. I trust my team.”The 3 2 score sets the stage for a match, at the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium in Spain on Tuesday, where a spot in the semifinals will be up for grabs. The victorious team will go on to play against either Atlético Madrid or Borussia Dortmund in the semifinals with the Spanish team holding a 2 1 advantage heading into their match, in Germany.
