Barcelona president has his wish fulfilled after UEFA Champions League draw | OneFootball

Barcelona’s Champions League journey for the 2025/26 season has been handed a dream storyline, as Joan Laporta’s wish of facing Paris Saint-Germain has come true.

The draw has placed the Blaugrana in a group stage that promises drama, excitement, and heavyweight clashes.

Hansi Flick’s men, who reached the semi-finals last season, were seeded in Pot 1 alongside some of Europe’s biggest names.

From this bracket, Barça have drawn reigning champions PSG, who they will face at home, and Chelsea, the Conference League winners, who await them in London.

A look at the opponents

The rest of the draw adds plenty of balance and intrigue. From Pot 2, Barcelona will go up against Eintracht Frankfurt at home and make the trip to Belgium to face Club Brugge.

Pot 3 pairs them with Olympiacos in Spain and Slavia Praha away. Lastly, Pot 4 brings a home fixture against Copenhagen and an away showdown with Newcastle United.

This sets the stage for one of the most anticipated fixtures of the group phase, with Barça hosting PSG in a clash that will be followed around the world.

Laporta’s dream rival becomes reality

Laporta spoke highly of PSG. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

The anticipation for this meeting is heightened by the words of President Joan Laporta earlier this summer.

Speaking in an interview, he revealed that his dream draw was PSG, calling them the rival European football wanted to see against Barcelona.

“PSG performed wonderfully last season. Unfortunately, we couldn’t play against them,” he said.

Laporta underlined that fans and neutrals alike had recognised Barça and PSG as the two most competitive sides, delivering top-level performances and entertaining football.

“It’s a football match the world is waiting for. Because I believe we were the two most competitive and best-prepared teams last season.

“We hope to play against them this season so we can find out which one is better.

“Everyone who loves the game said last season that Barcelona and Paris were the teams in the best form and playing the best football in the world,” he added.

Just weeks after that interview, fate has aligned with his wishes.

It is not yet confirmed whether the clash will take place at the Spotify Camp Nou or Montjuic, but one thing is certain that it will be in front of a Barcelona home crowd.