FC Barcelona vs. PSG: Europe's two best clubs square off at Montjuïc

FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain will play this Wednesday the most anticipated match of the league phase of the UEFA Champions League 2025/26. Hansi Flick's team arrives as LaLiga leaders with five consecutive victories, while the French team also commands Ligue 1 despite falling on matchday 5 against Marseille.

By far, these are the two best clubs at the moment. Both teams debuted with a victory in the Champions League group stage and are looking for a win that will allow them to settle in the 'TOP 8' that gives direct access to the round of 16. Despite the absences, Barça and PSG hope to offer a great match in Montjuïc in what was very close to becoming the dream final of 25/26.

The 'culés' were on the verge of their first final since 2015 in a historic tie against Inter (7-6 on aggregate), while Paris made history with their first European Cup crushing the 'nerazzurri' in Munich (5-0), not without first overcoming Arsenal in the 'semis' (3-1 on aggregate). Since then, the two best teams on the continent have changed little in their squads.

• 📺 Where and when to watch the match: the channels broadcasting Barça-PSG WATCH

Barça goes for its second victory in the Champions League group stage

Barça's journey in the 25/26 Champions League began with a complex visit to Newcastle. After a goalless first half, the 'azulgrana' team resolved the match with a brace by Marcus Rashford (1-2). Anthony Gordon scored a consolation goal at the end for the 'Magpies', but the 'culé' victory was undisputed.

Now, Flick's team is going for another 3 points that will allow them to get closer to the top of the standings. The Catalan team will once again be at home in Montjuïc, waiting to receive the necessary operating licenses to reopen the Spotify Camp Nou in both LaLiga and the Champions League.

Last season, in Europe, Barça accumulated 5 wins and 2 draws in 7 appearances at the Lluís Companys. The only defeat at the Olímpico, in fact, since the 'culés' moved due to the stadium's renovation, was in April 2024 against PSG (1-4). A result that ended up eliminating Xavi Hernández's team in the quarter-finals.

• *Champions League match
• H/A: Home/Away
• H: Home
• A: Away

For Champions League Matchday 2, Barcelona arrives in great form, with five consecutive victories (four in LaLiga) and a total of 23 goals scored in eight matches (2.8 per game). Luis Enrique's team, on the other hand, began 25/26 by lifting the European Super Cup against Tottenham (on penalties). Afterwards, they accumulated six wins and one loss in seven matches.

Lamine Yamal, ready to shine against PSG; Balde returns to the bench

Lamine Yamal: Ready to regain his starting spot against PSG

For the duel against Paris, Hansi Flick seems to have his lineup much clearer than in the previous three weeks. The coach recovered Lamine Yamal against Real Sociedad (2-1), a match where the '10' played little more than half an hour at an outstanding level. His assist secured the victory for the Catalans and his presence in the XI is assured.

The Mataró native will form the attacking trident with Marcus Rashford and Robert Lewandowski, while Dani Olmo will be the attacking midfielder due to the absences of Raphinha and Fermín López, both injured. In midfield, Pedri and Frenkie de Jong will once again carry the 'azulgrana' play.

In defense, the main novelty will be the return of Szczesny to goal in place of the also injured Joan García. Although Alejandro Balde will be available after receiving medical clearance, Gerard Martín and Jules Koundé will continue as full-backs, barring a last-minute surprise. In the center-back positions, Ronald Araujo and Pau Cubarsí should be.

• ℹ️ Lineups: the possible starting XIs of FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain: WATCH

Flick's Barça continues to struggle with injuries

Joan García warming up with Barça

In contrast to the good news of Lamine and Balde's return, the 'azulgrana' infirmary still has five players. Raphinha will be out for three weeks due to a biceps femoris injury in his right thigh.

In principle, the '11' would reappear after the October break, as would Fermín López. The Huelva native suffers from a left iliopsoas injury that will keep him out of action, probably until the match on Saturday 18 against Girona.

The absence of Joan García will be a little longer. The Sallent native underwent arthroscopy on his left knee which confirmed a medial meniscus injury. Once the area has been operated on, the goalkeeper will be out for four to six weeks, that is, until early November.

The outlook is much more complex with Gavi. The midfielder will be out for four to five months after undergoing a new intervention on the medial meniscus of his right knee. Along with Ter Stegen, the '6' is a long-term absentee, the midfielder until February-March 2026 and the goalkeeper, at least, until December of this year.

• 📋 Squad list: Barcelona's squad list for the match: WATCH

Luis Enrique's PSG also arrives with significant absences and several doubts

Luis Enrique's lineup assembly looks much more complex. The Asturian will not be able to count on Ousmane Dembélé, Desiré Doué, Marquinhos, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (all injured). In addition, Vitinha will be a doubt until the last minute, also due to muscle discomfort.

In principle, Paris would take to the Montjuïc pitch with Lucas Chevallier in goal, while Hakimi and Nuno Mendes will be the full-backs/wing-backs. In the center of defense, there would be a back three with Pacho, Zabarnyi, and Beraldo, while Vitinha, Zaïre-Emery, and Fabián Ruiz will take care of the midfield.

If Vitinha is not 100% for the match, Joao Neves, another who is being pampered, could also start. Up front, Bradley Barcola will accompany Gonçalo Ramos, as long as 'Lucho' doesn't opt for Ibrahim Mbaye at the last minute.

In any case, beyond the absences in both teams, Barça and PSG will go for the victory in Montjuïc, guaranteeing a very spectacular match due to the clash of similar styles. Both prioritize high pressure and ball possession as their main weapons. Therefore, the number of chances and goals are guaranteed in both boxes. Will there be revenge for the 'culés'?

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