After spending the last two seasons in the UEFA Europa League, FC Barcelona's men's team now finds itself firmly back on the European stage. In 2023–2024, the Catalans were knocked out of the UCL by none other than Paris Saint-Germain after a memorable quarter-final tie in which the capital club lost the first leg 3-2 but came back to win the second leg 4-1. During the following campaign, Barça were one of the favourites to go all the way to the title, but their journey to the final was cruelly cut short by Inter Milan in a narrow 7-6 aggregate defeat. This year, though, the Blaugrana have already made their European aims clear by earning a 2-1 victory away to Newcastle on Matchday 1.
As for Paris Saint-Germain, the capital club has entered a whole new dimension since the aforementioned quarter-final clash in April 2024. After finishing as semi-finalists in that particular edition of the UCL, Les Parisiens broke new ground last season by winning their first-ever Champions League trophy with a scintillating 5-0 win over Inter, and they certainly lived up to their status as the reigning European champions in their opening game of the current campaign: a 4-0 drubbing of Atalanta BC at the Parc des Princes.
1 – FC Barcelona have only lost one of their last 12 home matches in the Champions League (9 wins, 2 draws), it was against… Paris, in April 2024 (1-4).
2 – The Blaugranas have only won 2 of their last 6 matches against French clubs in the Champions League (1 draw, 3 defeats).
4 – Paris Saint-Germain have won their last four matches in the Champions League, scoring 12 goals and conceding just one.
Hansi Flick and his side could start in a 4-2-3-1. In goal, the Catalans are going to have to play without Marc-André ter Stegen and Joan García due to injury. But the hosts will be able to benefit from the experience of Wojciech Szczesny (82 Champions League appearances to his name). In front of him, the Uruguayan international and captain Ronald Araujo is likely to start alongside Pau Cubarsí (18 years old), with the youngster likely to beat former Chelsea man Andreas Christensen and Eric García to the starting spot.
On the left wing of defence, Spain international Alejandro Balde is a doubt, which should see Gerard Martín take his place. On the opposite flank, it’s France international Jules Koundé who is expected to begin the encounter. The Frenchman has established himself as one of the best right backs in the world and is now a senior member of the Barcelona starting eleven, alongside Pedri, who is an integral part of their midfield. He is likely to be supported by Frenkie de Jong. In Gavi’s absence, it’s Marc Casadó who is likely to appear during the match.
Dani Olmo is expected to start as the Catalan’s playmaker. The former Leipzig man, who has seen his direct competition and national teammate Fermín López ruled out through injury, will see Lamine Yamal start on the right. Having scored 2 goals and picking up 4 assists in just four matches since the start of the season, the Barcelona n°10 will be one of the hosts main threats in attack. But he won’t be the only danger, given that Marcus Rashford (2 goals, 4 assists) is likely to start on the left wing. On-loan from Manchester United, the Englishman seems to have perfectly integrated himself into the German coach’s game plan.
Incredible on the European scene last year, former Rennes man Raphinha won’t be involved, which may give Roony Bardghji an opportunity to feature and pick up some game time. At the front of the attack, it’s the irreplaceable Robert Lewandowski who will start against the Parisians. The 37 year old has already scored 4 goals in 7 matches this season. He may be replaced in the second half by Spain international Ferran Torres, who is able to play through the middle or down the flanks.
