Barcelona vs PSG: Three talking points ahead of Champions League clash | OneFootball

FC Barcelona welcome Paris Saint-Germain to the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium tonight for a blockbuster Champions League clash. While this is not a knockout tie, the stakes feel high given how dominant both sides have been over the past year.

Last season, Barcelona reached the semi-finals before falling to Inter Milan in dramatic fashion. PSG went one step further, dismantling the Italian side in the final to secure their first-ever Champions League trophy.

Under Hansi Flick, Barcelona have made a strong start to the 2025–26 campaign. They sit at the top of the La Liga table, having dropped points in just one game, and began their European campaign with an impressive 2–1 away victory against Newcastle United.

With momentum on both sides, here are three major talking points heading into tonight’s showdown.

1. Barcelona vs PSG — The final that never was

Many expected last season’s Champions League final to feature Barcelona and PSG. Both sides were outstanding throughout the campaign, playing bold, attacking football that thrilled neutrals across Europe.

Flick and Luis Enrique share a similar philosophy: they prioritize goals, intensity, and attacking principles over pragmatism. That potential head-to-head never came to pass, but tonight’s meeting finally offers fans the matchup they had hoped for.

Both teams are targeting a top-eight finish in the new league-phase format, and neither will take this clash lightly. If both managers stick to their principles, fans at Montjuic could be treated to one of the most entertaining games of the league phase.

2. Key Absences on Both Sides

As with most big games, injuries have played a part in shaping tonight’s contest. PSG are without Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Luis Enrique will also have to assess the fitness of Vitinha, Joao Neves, and Fabian Ruiz, all of whom carry knocks.

Barcelona, meanwhile, are missing Joan Garcia, Raphinha, Fermin, and Gavi. On the positive side, Lamine Yamal has returned to full fitness, while Alejandro Balde has been cleared and included in the squad for the first time in weeks.

While both sides would prefer to be at full strength, their squad depth should ensure a high-quality contest nonetheless.

3. The Battle of the Midfields

Despite injury concerns, the midfield duel is likely to define the game. PSG could field a trio of Vitinha, Joao Neves, and Fabian Ruiz, while Barcelona are expected to rely on Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, and Dani Olmo.

De Jong and Pedri, in particular, have been outstanding as a double pivot this season. They dominated the midfield battle in Barcelona’s win at St James’ Park and will aim to do the same against Enrique’s men.

Whichever side asserts control in the middle of the park may ultimately dictate the outcome. Flick will hope his midfield can rise to the occasion and tilt the contest in Barcelona’s favor.

Barcelona vs PSG is more than just another Champions League fixture. It is a clash between two teams at the peak of their powers. With attacking quality across the pitch, tactical battles between two elite managers, and star players eager to shine, tonight’s showdown at Montjuic promises to be a spectacle.