Matchup: Barcelona vs Paris Saint-Germain
Event: UEFA Champions League League Phase
Venue: Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, Barcelona, Spain
Date & Time: Wednesday, October 1, 9:00 PM (19:00 GMT)
Coverage: Tune in to Al Jazeera Sport from 16:00 GMT for pre-match analysis followed by live text commentary.
Europe’s football giants face off in the second matchday of the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League league phase as reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) visit Barcelona’s iconic Olympic Stadium on Wednesday.
Both teams have kicked off the season impressively: PSG dominated Atalanta 4-0 in their opener, while Barcelona edged out Newcastle United 2-1 in their first group stage encounter.
Here’s a comprehensive preview ahead of this highly anticipated clash in the Champions League season:
Barcelona’s Current Momentum
Barcelona climbed to the summit of La Liga after a resilient 2-1 victory against Real Sociedad on Sunday. Goals from Jules Koundé and Robert Lewandowski, scored before and after halftime respectively, secured the comeback win.
This marked Barcelona’s sixth triumph in seven outings, propelling them to 19 points-just a single point ahead of their fierce rivals Real Madrid.
Coach Hansi Flick praised the collective effort, stating, “It was a team effort. The players executed the plan well, and their hard work paid off.”
Notably, Barcelona maintained an unbeaten home record in Champions League matches throughout the 2024-25 campaign.
PSG’s Recent Performances
PSG share the top spot in Ligue 1 with Lyon, both holding 15 points. Their sole setback this season came in a narrow 1-0 defeat to Marseille on September 22, where Nayef Aguerd’s early header secured Marseille’s first home league victory over PSG since 2011.
PSG’s Injury Setbacks Early in the Season
The French champions have been battling injury troubles, most notably losing their star forward and 2025 Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé, sidelined until mid-October due to a right hamstring strain.
Additionally, promising attacker Desire Doue is out with a right calf injury, and winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia sustained an injury during their recent 2-0 win over Auxerre, further limiting PSG’s attacking options.
Last Encounter Between Barcelona and PSG
The teams last faced off on April 16, 2024, in the Champions League quarterfinal second leg. PSG overturned the deficit with a remarkable 4-1 victory at Barcelona’s home ground, securing a 6-4 aggregate win and advancing to the semifinals against Borussia Dortmund.
Barcelona initially took the lead through Raphinha, but a red card for Ronald Araújo shifted momentum. PSG’s comeback featured goals from Dembélé, Vitinha, and a brace from Kylian Mbappé, marking one of Mbappé’s final appearances for the club.
PSG’s Trophy Haul in 2024-25
PSG enjoyed their most decorated season in club history by clinching four major titles: Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Trophée des Champions, and the UEFA Champions League.
They also finished as runners-up to Chelsea in the FIFA Club World Cup held in June.
Barcelona Squad News
Raphinha remains sidelined with a hamstring injury and will miss the PSG encounter. Other absentees include Joan Garcia (knee), Gavi (knee), Fermin Lopez (back), and first-choice goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen (back).
Wojciech Szczęsny is set to deputize in goal, while Gerald Martin is expected to cover for Garcia in defense.
On a positive note, star winger Lamine Yamal is anticipated to return to the starting lineup after recovering from a groin injury that kept him out for four matches. He made a substitute appearance in the recent win over Real Sociedad.
PSG Squad News
Coach Luis Enrique faces a depleted attack with key forwards Dembélé and Doue sidelined since early September. Kvaratskhelia’s absence further increases the burden on French international Bradley Barcola, who is expected to spearhead the offense against Barcelona.
Brazilian defender Marquinhos will also miss the match due to a left thigh injury.
However, midfielders Vitinha and João Neves, both recently recovered from injuries, have been included in the squad, providing a boost to Enrique’s options.
Projected Starting XI for Barcelona
Szczęsny (GK); Koundé, Cubarsí, Araújo, Martin; Pedri, De Jong; Yamal, Olmo, Rashford; Lewandowski
Projected Starting XI for PSG
Chevalier (GK); Hakimi, Zabarnyi, Pacho, Mendes; Lee, Vitinha, Zaire-Emery; Mbaye, Ramos, Barcola
Head-to-Head Record
- Total meetings: 13
- Barcelona victories: 5
- PSG victories: 4
- Draws: 4
Recent Form Overview
- Barcelona: Five consecutive wins across all competitions
- PSG: Four wins and one loss in their last five matches
Insights from the Managers
Luis Enrique (PSG): “It’s unfortunate that several key players from both teams won’t feature. It’s disappointing for the coaches and the fans alike.”
Hansi Flick (Barcelona): “The injury situation is unusual for us, but injuries are part of the game. We’re reviewing our approach and training to adapt accordingly.”
Understanding the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League League Phase
In its sophomore year, the revamped league phase includes 36 teams competing in a single comprehensive table, replacing the traditional group format.
Each club plays eight matches against teams from different countries, with rankings determining progression.
After Matchday 8, the top 24 teams advance: the top eight secure direct entry to the round of 16, while those ranked 9th to 24th enter a two-legged playoff to qualify. The remaining 12 teams are eliminated.
2025-26 UEFA Champions League League Phase Schedule
- Matchday 1: September 16-18, 2025
- Matchday 2: September 30-October 1, 2025
- Matchday 3: October 21-22, 2025
- Matchday 4: November 4-5, 2025
- Matchday 5: November 25-26, 2025
- Matchday 6: December 9-10, 2025
- Matchday 7: January 20-21, 2026
- Matchday 8: January 28, 2026
Venue for the 2025-26 Champions League Final
The grand finale of the UEFA Champions League will be hosted at Budapest’s Puskás Aréna on May 30, 2026.
