Two of Europe’s most powerful football clubs, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), are set to face each other in one of the most anticipated fixtures of the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League. The clash, scheduled for Wednesday, October 1, at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys in Barcelona, promises to be a thrilling encounter filled with drama, history, and star power.
Barcelona’s Current Form
Barcelona enter the contest in red-hot domestic form, having recently secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Real Sociedad. Goals from Jules Kounde and Robert Lewandowski ensured that Hansi Flick’s side stayed at the top of La Liga, one point ahead of arch-rivals Real Madrid.
The Catalan giants have now won six of their last seven matches, showing resilience and depth despite several key injuries. Importantly, Barcelona ended last season undefeated at home in Champions League fixtures, which will give them confidence against a formidable PSG side.
Manager Hansi Flick praised his team’s mentality, stating:
“It was a team victory. They knew how to play and it was hard work, but we deserved it.”
PSG’s Form and Injury Woes
PSG began their title defense with a dominant 4-0 victory over Atalanta in their opening Champions League fixture. Domestically, they sit level with Lyon on 15 points at the top of Ligue 1. However, Luis Enrique’s side has faced setbacks, including a shock 1-0 loss to Marseille, their first defeat to their rivals at the Velodrome in over a decade.
The bigger challenge for PSG lies in their injury list.
- Ousmane Dembele, the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner, is sidelined with a hamstring injury.
- Desire Doue (calf) and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (leg) are also unavailable.
- Marquinhos, their defensive leader, is ruled out with a thigh injury.
These absences place enormous responsibility on Bradley Barcola, who is expected to lead the line for PSG. The midfield, however, receives a boost with the return of Vitinha and Joao Neves, both included in the traveling squad.
Key Players to Watch
- Lamine Yamal (Barcelona): The teenage sensation is back from injury and expected to start. His pace and creativity on the right wing could trouble PSG’s defense.
- Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona): Still one of the most lethal strikers in Europe, Lewandowski will be Barcelona’s primary goal threat.
- Vitinha (PSG): Recently voted third in the Ballon d’Or, his return strengthens PSG’s midfield balance.
- Bradley Barcola (PSG): With star forwards missing, the young Frenchman must rise to the occasion.
Head-to-Head Record
Barcelona and PSG have faced each other 13 times in UEFA competitions:
- Barcelona wins: 5
- PSG wins: 4
- Draws: 4
The last meeting came in the 2023-24 quarterfinals, where PSG produced a stunning comeback to eliminate Barcelona with a 4-1 win in Spain (6-4 on aggregate). Kylian Mbappe, in one of his final PSG appearances, scored twice in that legendary victory.
Predicted Lineups
Barcelona (4-2-3-1):
Szczesny (GK); Kounde, Cubarsi, Araujo, Martin; Pedri, De Jong; Yamal, Olmo, Rashford; Lewandowski
PSG (4-3-3):
Chevalier (GK); Hakimi, Zabarnyi, Pacho, Mendes; Lee, Vitinha, Zaire-Emery; Mbaye, Ramos, Barcola
What the Coaches Said
Luis Enrique (PSG):
“Watching Barcelona and PSG without several top players is unfortunate. It’s a shame for both Flick and myself, but it’s football – we must adapt.”
Hansi Flick (Barcelona):
“The number of injuries is not normal, but we will analyze everything. The team is fighting hard, and that’s what matters most.”
Champions League Format Reminder
The 2025-26 Champions League is the second season under the new league phase format. Instead of traditional groups, 36 teams play in one big league table, each facing eight opponents.
- Top 8 teams qualify directly for the Round of 16.
- Teams ranked 9th–24th enter a playoff round.
- Bottom 12 are eliminated.
The final will take place at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest, Hungary, on May 30, 2026.
Match Prediction
With Barcelona boasting home advantage and a strong run of form, they enter as slight favorites. However, PSG, despite their injuries, have the quality to cause problems. Expect a tight, tactical battle, with both managers likely prioritizing defensive discipline.
Prediction: Barcelona 2 – 1 PSG
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