Barcelona vs PSG Preview: Prediction, Team News and Where to Watch the Match LIVE

Wednesday’s Champions League encounter at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys takes center stage in our Barcelona vs PSG prediction and preview. Will Lamine Yamal have a decisive impact against the UEFA Champions League holders?

Barcelona vs PSG: Preview

For many neutrals, it was something of a disappointment that Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain did not face off in the UEFA Champions League final last season. These two attacking powerhouses represented the competition’s most prolific sides, with the Blaugrana and PSG scoring 43 and 38 goals respectively – at least seven more than the next most-prolific teams, as Bayern Munich, Arsenal, and Borussia Dortmund managed 31 apiece.

However, Barcelona’s dramatic 7-6 aggregate defeat to Inter in the semi-finals ensured Luis Enrique would not meet his former side in the showpiece match. PSG instead went on to earn a historic 5-0 triumph over the Nerazzurri in the final, claiming their maiden European crown and establishing themselves as champions of the continent.

Wednesday’s Matchday 2 encounter in the 2025-26 league phase will provide the headline meeting between these European giants that was denied to us last season, though the clash will not be quite as star-studded as it could have been due to significant injury concerns affecting both squads.

Barcelona’s preparations have been complicated by several key absences. Raphinha, goalkeeper Joan García, and midfielder Gavi will all miss the encounter, with Gavi facing up to five months on the sidelines after undergoing knee surgery. These losses significantly weaken Hansi Flick’s attacking and midfield options against the reigning champions.

PSG’s injury situation is equally concerning, with captain Marquinhos unlikely to return before the October international break after sustaining a thigh issue. Désiré Doué and João Neves also feature on the French side’s injury list, limiting Luis Enrique’s tactical flexibility.

Vitinha and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia both exited Saturday’s 2-0 Ligue 1 victory over Auxerre early and are doubtful for Wednesday’s clash. However, PSG’s most costly absence could be that of Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé, who remains sidelined with a hamstring injury that has kept him out of recent fixtures.

Dembélé’s importance to PSG cannot be overstated. Last week, the French winger became the sixth different Frenchman to win the Ballon d’Or, cementing his status among the elite. He has recorded 40 combined goal involvements in all competitions in 2025 (29 goals, 11 assists), with only Harry Kane (44) and Kylian Mbappé (42) managing more among players from Europe’s top five leagues.

His 2024-25 campaign was particularly impressive, with 46 goal involvements for PSG (33 goals, 13 assists). Remarkably, during his five seasons as a Barcelona player between 2018-19 and 2022-23, Dembélé never managed more than 22 goal involvements or 14 goals in a single season, achieving those tallies in 2018-19. His transformation since moving to Paris has been nothing short of spectacular.

With Dembélé missing out, the stage could be perfectly set for the player he beat in the Ballon d’Or voting – Lamine Yamal – to play a starring role. Barcelona won four straight games in all competitions without the 18-year-old before he returned as a 58th-minute substitute in Sunday’s 2-1 victory over Real Sociedad in La Liga.

Yamal wasted no time in making an impact, driving to the byline just 62 seconds after coming on to deliver a right-footed cross for Robert Lewandowski to score Barcelona’s winner. Since the start of last season, Mohamed Salah (26) is the only player from Europe’s top five leagues to better Yamal’s 24 assists in all competitions, with Raphinha also matching that tally.

The teenage sensation’s recent form has been extraordinary. In his last 18 competitive outings for Barcelona and Spain, Yamal has registered 18 goal involvements, scoring eight times and providing 10 assists. This remarkable consistency at such a young age has established him as one of European football’s most exciting talents.

Lewandowski’s goal against Real Sociedad carried historical significance, as he equalled Neymar’s La Liga tally to enter the top 10 for all-time Barcelona goals in the competition among foreign players, with 105. Four of those goals have arrived this season, though the Polish striker has struggled against PSG specifically.

Lewandowski has only scored one Champions League goal against PSG, netting for Bayern Munich in December 2017. His ratio of 450 minutes per goal against them represents his worst record versus any side in the competition, creating a personal challenge he will be desperate to address.

The striker will hope to be aided by creative midfielder Pedri, who made a game-high 20 line-breaking passes in Barcelona’s 2-1 victory at Newcastle United in their Champions League opener. Four of those passes broke the Magpies’ defensive line, with both figures representing the most by any midfielder on Matchday 1.

Marcus Rashford scored two sublime goals in that Newcastle encounter and has a goal involvement in each of his last five starts for Barcelona in all competitions (two goals, three assists). Hansi Flick faces a decision regarding the final spot in his front three, with the Manchester United loanee competing with Ferran Torres for selection.

PSG opened their title defence with a commanding 4-0 rout of Atalanta, meaning they have won their last four Champions League games by a combined scoreline of 12-1, with the last two victories coming by an aggregate of 9-0. Only one team has ever won three consecutive Champions League matches by four or more goals, with that instance also being achieved by PSG between October and November 2017.

The injuries that have decimated Luis Enrique’s frontline make it unlikely his team will repeat that feat, though PSG still possess plenty of dynamism across the pitch. Since the start of last season, PSG have averaged more completed dribbles per game than any team involved in the last two Champions League campaigns (11.9 per match).

Left-back Nuno Mendes has completed the joint-most dribbles for PSG in this period, level with Bradley Barcola on 30. The Portugal international also achieved the most in their Matchday 1 victory over Atalanta, completing five successful dribbles.

Barcola could have a key role to play after being rested for the first half against Auxerre. He has three goals in seven appearances across all competitions this season, representing the joint-most of any PSG player alongside Neves despite his limited minutes.

The depleted visitors may also look to capitalise on their set-piece prowess. With both of Saturday’s goals coming from corners, PSG have netted four times from those situations in six Ligue 1 games this season, with five goals from set-pieces overall, excluding penalties. This aerial threat could prove crucial against Barcelona’s reorganized defense.

Barcelona vs PSG: Head-to-Head

This will be the 16th meeting between Barcelona and PSG in major European competitions, with the two sides separated by just one victory across the previous 15 encounters. Barcelona have triumphed on six occasions, with PSG winning five times and four matches ending in draws, reflecting the competitive balance between these European giants.

Since winning three consecutive Champions League games against PSG in 2014-15 – all of which came under Luis Enrique’s management – Barcelona have only won two of their last six meetings with the French side in the competition (D1 L3). This shift in momentum suggests PSG have developed tactical solutions to Barcelona’s traditional strengths.

PSG’s recent dominance at Camp Nou has been particularly impressive. The French side have won their last two away games versus Barcelona, both by identical 4-1 scorelines in the Champions League – in February 2021 and April 2024. If they triumph on Wednesday, PSG will become the first team ever to win three consecutive away games against Barcelona in major European competition, a remarkable achievement that would further cement their growing superiority in this rivalry.

Luis Enrique’s personal record against his former club adds another fascinating dimension to Wednesday’s encounter. The Spanish coach will face Barcelona for the fifth time in his managerial career and the third time since leaving the Catalan giants. He has only won one of his previous four meetings with Barcelona – that dominant 4-1 triumph with PSG in the Champions League quarter-finals in April 2024.

Two of Luis Enrique’s three defeats against his former employers came during his time at Celta Vigo in 2013-14, highlighting the emotional and tactical complexity of facing a club where he enjoyed such remarkable success as both player and manager. His intimate knowledge of Barcelona’s culture and playing philosophy could prove decisive in his tactical preparation.

The historical context reveals a rivalry that has produced memorable moments and dramatic turnarounds. Barcelona’s famous 6-1 comeback victory in 2017 – overturning a 4-0 first-leg deficit – remains one of the Champions League’s most iconic matches. However, PSG’s recent dominance suggests they have learned from past disappointments and developed the mental fortitude to handle pressure situations.

Barcelona vs PSG: Team News and Predicted Lineup

Barcelona – Team News

Barcelona received a massive injury boost over the weekend with Lamine Yamal making his first appearance after recovering from a groin injury that sidelined him for a month. The two-time Kopa Trophy winner assisted Barcelona’s game-winner against Real Sociedad and should be ready to start against PSG, providing Hansi Flick with his most dangerous attacking weapon.

Nevertheless, the Catalans will still have numerous key absentees. Joan García, Raphinha, Fermín López, and Gavi will all miss the match, significantly weakening Barcelona’s squad depth and forcing Flick to rely on less experienced alternatives in crucial positions.

Alejandro Balde could be reintroduced after recovering from a hamstring injury, though he is more likely to feature from the bench as he continues building match fitness. His eventual return will provide valuable defensive and attacking support down the left flank.

Marcus Rashford should continue to receive the nod in attack in Raphinha’s absence, with the Manchester United loanee having impressed with his recent performances. Wojciech Szczęsny will deputize in goal for the injured García, bringing his considerable Champions League experience to a crucial encounter.

Flick has already confirmed that Dani Olmo will be deployed as the most advanced midfielder, utilizing his creativity and goal-scoring ability in a hybrid role between midfield and attack. Gerard Martín will make his sixth consecutive start in Balde’s usual spot, demonstrating Flick’s trust in the young defender’s abilities.

The biggest question mark revolves around who leads the line for Barcelona. Robert Lewandowski’s pedigree and recent goal-scoring form could give him the edge, though Ferran Torres will be eager to make an impact if selected. This tactical decision could prove crucial in determining Barcelona’s attacking effectiveness.

Barcelona – Predicted XI (4-3-3)

• Goalkeeper: Szczęsny
• Defenders: Koundé, García, Cubarsí, Martín
• Midfielders: de Jong, Pedri, Olmo
• Forwards: Yamal, Lewandowski, Rashford

PSG – Team News

The reigning champions are also riddled with injuries and will be without 2025 Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé, whose hamstring injury continues to sideline one of European football’s most devastating attacking players. Champions League final brace scorer Désiré Doué also remains unavailable, removing another key creative option.

Captain Marquinhos is sidelined with a thigh injury and will not feature, disrupting PSG’s defensive organization and leadership structure. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has not travelled with PSG’s squad after picking up an injury at the weekend, further depleting Luis Enrique’s attacking options.

João Neves, Fabián Ruíz, and Vitinha have made the trip to Barcelona, and supporters will be hopeful the quality trio are all fit to start. Their technical ability and tactical intelligence will be essential in controlling possession against Barcelona’s high-pressing system.

Lucas Chevalier is expected to continue in goal, having impressed since replacing Gianluigi Donnarumma as PSG’s first-choice goalkeeper. His distribution and shot-stopping ability will be tested against Barcelona’s potent attack.

Bradley Barcola’s rest against Auxerre suggests he will be fresh and ready to start, providing pace and directness from wide positions. Lee Kang-in’s creativity and work rate make him a likely starter, while Gonçalo Ramos will lead the line in the absence of more established options.

PSG – Predicted XI (4-3-3)

• Goalkeeper: Chevalier
• Defenders: Hakimi, Zabarnyi, Pacho, Mendes
• Midfielders: Neves, Vitinha, Ruíz
• Forwards: Lee, Ramos, Barcola

Barcelona vs PSG: Prediction

This encounter presents a fascinating tactical battle between two of Europe’s most sophisticated attacking teams, both significantly weakened by injury concerns that will force tactical adjustments and creative solutions from their respective managers.

Barcelona’s home advantage at Camp Nou provides a significant psychological boost, particularly given the passionate support that Catalan crowds generate for high-profile European fixtures. The return of Lamine Yamal could prove decisive, with the teenager’s creativity and unpredictability offering solutions that PSG’s depleted defense may struggle to contain.

However, PSG’s recent dominance in this fixture cannot be ignored. Their two consecutive 4-1 victories at Camp Nou demonstrate tactical superiority and mental fortitude when facing Barcelona’s attacking threats. Luis Enrique’s intimate knowledge of his former club could provide crucial advantages in tactical preparation.

The injury situations significantly impact both teams’ capabilities, though the absence of Dembélé arguably hurts PSG more than Barcelona’s missing players affect the hosts. The Ballon d’Or winner’s pace and directness would have been ideal weapons against Barcelona’s high defensive line.

Wojciech Szczęsny and Lucas Chevalier will both expect to be busy in goal, with both teams possessing the attacking quality to create numerous chances. The absence of Dembélé, Doué, and Kvaratskhelia for PSG, coupled with Yamal’s return for Barcelona, should tilt the scales in favor of the home side.

With Vitinha pulling the strings in midfield, PSG will still pose a huge threat to Barcelona’s defense. The Portuguese midfielder’s vision and passing range could unlock spaces for the visitors’ remaining attacking players to exploit.

It would be surprising if both teams didn’t find the net at least once, given their attacking pedigree and the space likely to be available as both sides commit players forward. The match should produce the kind of entertaining, open football that neutral supporters crave from Champions League encounters.

However, it would be strange to overlook the hosts because of the scale of PSG’s injuries. Barcelona’s attacking quality, combined with home advantage and Yamal’s return, should provide enough advantages to overcome the defending champions. They should outscore PSG en route to securing three crucial points in the league phase.

Prediction: Barcelona 3–2 PSG

When and Where to Watch Barcelona vs PSG in India? Broadcast and Streaming Details

Indian football fans can catch the Barcelona vs PSG Champions League clash live on Thursday, October 2, 2025, with kick-off scheduled for 12:30 AM IST (Thursday) at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys in Barcelona. The match will be telecast on multiple Sony Sports Network channels including Sony Ten 1, Sony Ten 1 HD, Sony Ten 2, Sony Ten 2 HD, Sony Ten 3, Sony Ten 3 HD, Sony Ten 5, and Sony Ten 5 HD.

For digital streaming, Sony LIV will provide live coverage of the fixture, though viewers will need a premium subscription to access the content. Additionally, JioTV users can stream the match through their platform, as they hold non-exclusive streaming rights for UEFA Champions League matches in India from 2024-25 to 2026-27, serving as a premium content partner of Sony Sports Network.

This heavyweight encounter between two of Europe’s most attacking teams promises to be a goal-filled spectacle, making it essential viewing for Indian football enthusiasts who can enjoy comprehensive coverage across Sony’s multi-platform approach. The match represents a renewal of one of the Champions League’s most compelling modern rivalries.

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