Barcelona vs PSG – Match preview and team news | OneFootball

Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain face each other in one of the most anticipated Champions League fixtures on Wednesday evening.

Both teams enter this blockbuster clash having secured victories in their opening league phase matches, setting the stage for a thrilling encounter at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.

Barcelona vs PSG – Match Preview and Team News

Barcelona Team News

Barcelona head into this crucial fixture dealing with several key injury concerns that have disrupted Hansi Flick’s preparations. The Catalans are without goalkeeper Joan García, who underwent minor surgery for a meniscus injury and is expected to be sidelined for 4-6 weeks.

Raphinha, who has been in good form this season with three goals and two assists in LaLiga, is also ruled out with a hamstring injury that will keep him out for approximately three weeks. The Brazilian’s absence is particularly significant given his crucial role in Barcelona’s attacking setup.

Long-term absentee Gavi remains unavailable after suffering a meniscus injury that will keep him out for five months. Marc-André ter Stegen continues his recovery from a back surgery, meaning Wojciech Szczęsny will start between the posts. Alejandro Balde was initially expected to return but didn’t make the squad, potentially being saved for this crucial European fixture.

On a positive note, Lamine Yamal has returned to full fitness after missing four games with a groin injury. The 18-year-old Ballon d’Or Kopa Trophy winner made his comeback against Real Sociedad and will be crucial to Barcelona’s attacking threat.

PSG Team News

PSG’s injury list has grown significantly ahead of this encounter, with Luis Enrique potentially missing half of his strongest starting eleven. The defending Champions League winners are without captain Marquinhos due to a thigh injury. Ousmane Dembélé, the Ballon d’Or winner, remains sidelined with a thigh issue, while Désiré Doué is out with a calf injury and not expected to return in time for this match.

João Neves continues to recover from a hamstring problem, though there are reports suggesting he could be available. The most concerning recent developments involve Vitinha and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, both of whom suffered injuries during PSG’s 2-0 victory over Auxerre. Vitinha was substituted in the first half due to discomfort, while Kvaratskhelia was replaced at halftime with a suspected hamstring issue.

Luis Enrique remains cautiously optimistic about Vitinha’s availability, stating the injury news “isn’t particularly alarming”. However, he was less positive overall, admitting “I can’t say anything, it’s not a positive thing” regarding the fitness of both players.

Form

Barcelona

Hansi Flick’s Barcelona are enjoying a strong start to the 2025-26 season, remaining unbeaten in LaLiga and Champions League with seven wins and one draw from eight matches.

The Catalans currently sit at the top of the LaLiga table, one point ahead of Real Madrid. Their recent form has been impressive, with convincing victories including a 6-0 thrashing of Valencia and a comeback 2-1 win against Real Sociedad. In the Champions League, they opened with a hard-fought 2-1 victory at Newcastle United, with Marcus Rashford scoring a brace on his return to English soil.

Under Flick’s guidance, Barcelona have embraced a more direct style of play, averaging three goals per game in La Liga. The German coach has successfully integrated young talents while implementing a risky defensive strategy with a dangerously high line.

PSG

The Champions League holders began their title defence in emphatic fashion with a 4-0 demolition of Atalanta, with goals from four different scorers. However, they suffered a surprise 1-0 defeat to Marseille in Le Classique. They bounced back with a 2-0 victory over Auxerre, though this came at the cost of fresh injury concerns.

PSG currently lead Ligue 1 with 15 points from six matches, though several teams are close behind on 12 points. Luis Enrique’s side have shown their attacking prowess but defensive vulnerabilities have occasionally been exposed.

Predicted lineups

Barcelona: Szczęsny; Koundé, Cubarsi, Araujo, Martín; Pedri, De Jong; Yamal, Olmo, Rashford; Torres.

PSG: Chevalier, Mendes, Pacho, Zabarnyi, Hakimi; Zaïre-Emery, Mayulu, Ruiz; Mbaye, Ramos, Barcola

How to watch Barcelona vs PSG?

UK fans can watch the game live on TNT Sports 4.

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