The second season of the new UEFA Champions League format promised high-caliber matches right from the start, and Wednesday`s clash between Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain perfectly exemplifies this. This highly anticipated Matchday 2 encounter pits two genuine title contenders against each other, serving as an initial gauge of their championship aspirations for the season.
Anticipation for the match is palpable, with pre-game comments reflecting mutual respect between the two giants. Barcelona coach Hansi Flick praised PSG as `the best team in the world,` acknowledging their recent historic treble and Club World Cup final appearance. PSG`s Luis Enrique, returning to his former club where he had a significant playing and managerial career, expressed his `happiness to be back` in a city he considers home, fully aware of the fixture`s importance on the league phase schedule.
“For us, it`s exciting and thrilling to play against a team that plays with the same mentality,” Enrique said. “They have a very high-level coach that 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 the key will be to win the ball, in my opinion.”
Match Details: Barcelona vs. Paris Saint-Germain
- Date: Wednesday, October 1
- Time: 3 p.m. ET (Eastern Time)
- Location: Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, Barcelona, Spain
- Live Stream: Paramount+
- Odds: Barcelona are considered slight favorites for this encounter.
Injuries Impact Both Sides
While Wednesday`s match is a notable occasion, neither Barcelona nor PSG will arrive at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys at full strength. This means the fixture will be more an early test of each team`s resilience and depth rather than a definitive assessment of their true potential. This is particularly true for PSG, who are still without key players including Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, and Marquinhos. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is also a doubt, posing further challenges for the reigning European champions.
“No matter which players are there 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 the match.”
On Barcelona`s side, Hansi Flick will be without Fermin Lopez, Joan Garcia, and Gavi, all crucial players in their attack-minded tactical approach.
“It`s part of our job: we have to know how to manage injuries,” Flick commented. “We`re missing important players in midfield, but we have to have confidence in the young players.”
Despite these absences, several of Barcelona`s stars will be available, including Ballon d`Or runner-up Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Robert Lewandowski. However, the player who might command the most focus on Wednesday is Pedri. The midfielder`s profile has recently soared after retired Manchester United legend Paul Scholes called Pedri his new favorite player following Barcelona`s victory at Newcastle United. Luis Enrique also added his praise to the growing list of compliments Pedri has received.
“I know Pedri well,” Enrique said. “He`s a fantastic player. I love watching Barça, and especially a player like Pedri. He`s like Harry Potter, but I really hope he leaves his magic at home tomorrow. Although Barça isn`t just Pedri; there are a lot of good players.”
Projected Lineups
Barcelona:
- Wojciech Szczesny
- Jules Kounde
- Eric Garcia
- Pau Cubarsi
- Gerard Martin
- Frenkie de Jong
- Pedri
- Lamine Yamal
- Dani Olmo
- Raphinha
- Robert Lewandowski
Paris Saint-Germain:
- Lucas Chevalier
- Achraf Hakimi
- Illia Zabarnyi
- Willian Pacho
- Nuno Mendes
- Warren Zaire-Emery
- Vitinha
- Fabian Ruiz
- Lee Kang-in
- Goncalo Ramos
- Bradley Barcola
