The new UEFA Champions League format, now in its second season, promised more high-caliber matches right from the start of the tournament. Wednesday`s confrontation between Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain will be a prime example of this principle in action. These title contenders will face each other as early as Matchday 2 of the league phase, and this game will serve as an initial significant test of their ambitions to win the competition.
The pre-match atmosphere is imbued with mutual respect. Barcelona`s head coach, Hansi Flick, called PSG “the best team in the world,” noting that the French club only a few months ago achieved a historic treble and reached the Club World Cup final. Meanwhile, PSG`s manager, Luis Enrique, returning to the club where he spent a significant part of his playing and managerial career, expressed joy at coming back to a city he considers home. Enrique also fully understands why many fans have circled this match on the calendar.
“For us, it`s exciting and thrilling to play against a team with a similar mentality,” Enrique stated. “They have a very high-level coach whom I`ve known for a long time. Both the coach and the players are eager to play a good game. The two teams are similar, but, in my opinion, winning the ball will be key.”
Match Information: Barcelona vs. Paris Saint-Germain
Here`s what you need to know before watching the match:
- Date: Wednesday, October 1
- Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys — Barcelona, Spain
- Live Stream: Paramount+
- Odds: Barcelona -125; Draw +330; Paris Saint-Germain +270
Injury Updates Affect Both Sides
Although Wednesday`s match promises to be a significant event, neither team will arrive at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys at full strength. This makes the encounter more of an early test of the teams` character rather than a definitive judgment of their true potential. This is especially true for PSG, who will still be without Ballon d`Or winner Ousmane Dembele, as well as Desire Doue and Marquinhos. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia may also miss the game, further complicating matters for the reigning European champions.
“No matter which players are on the field tomorrow, they will be part of a strong team, which is what we are,” Enrique stated. “We will prepare for the match in the same way, in the best possible way to try to win.”
Flick, meanwhile, will face the absence of Fermin Lopez, Joan Garcia, and Gavi, each of whom is an important player in Barcelona`s attack-minded approach.
“It`s part of our job: we have to know how to manage injuries,” Flick said. “We are missing important players in midfield, but we must have confidence in the young footballers.”
Nevertheless, several of Barcelona`s stars will be available for selection, including Ballon d`Or runner-up Lamine Yamal, as well as Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski. However, the player who might be the main focus on Wednesday is Pedri. This midfielder`s profile rose after retired Manchester United player Paul Scholes called Pedri his new favorite footballer following Barcelona`s win against Newcastle United. Luis Enrique also added his praise to the long list of compliments Pedri has earned.
“I know Pedri well,” Enrique said. “He`s a fantastic player. I love watching Barça matches, especially when a player like Pedri is playing. He`s like Harry Potter, but I really hope he leaves his magic at home tomorrow. Although Barça isn`t just Pedri; there are many good players there.”
Projected Lineups
Barcelona
Goalkeeper: Wojciech Szczesny
Defenders: Jules Kounde, Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin
Midfielders: Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, Lamine Yamal
Forwards: Dani Olmo, Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski
Paris Saint-Germain
Goalkeeper: Lucas Chevalier
Defenders: Achraf Hakimi, Illia Zabarnyi, Willian Pacho, Nuno Mendes
Midfielders: Warren Zaire-Emery, Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz
Forwards: Lee Kang-in, Goncalo Ramos, Bradley Barcola
