Supercomputer predicts the Barca vs PSG match in the Champions League

The Opta supercomputer has delivered its analysis and predictions regarding the showdown between Barcelona and PSG in the Champions League.

In the second round of the Champions League group stage, the spotlight will be on Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium, where Barcelona will host the reigning champions PSG. These two teams are considered the top contenders for the title this season, and their upcoming encounter promises to be highly exciting.

Nevertheless, the supercomputer Opta rates one team as having a significantly higher chance of winning. Specifically, Opta predicts that Barcelona is favored with a 46.4% probability of victory in pre-match simulations. Meanwhile, PSG has only a 29.9% chance of securing three points and a 23.8% likelihood of finishing in a draw.

However, PSG somewhat benefits from historical precedent.

According to statistics from Opta, the upcoming match will mark the 16th meeting between Barcelona and PSG in European competitions. Barca has won 6 matches, PSG has triumphed 5 times, and 4 matches have ended in draws.

Since a streak of 3 consecutive wins over PSG in the 2014/15 Champions League under coach Luis Enrique, the Catalan club has only won 2 of the next 6 encounters with the French side (drawing 1, losing 3).

Notably, PSG has won both of their last two away games at Camp Nou, each with a 4-1 scoreline in the Champions League, in February 2021 and April 2024. If they win the next match, PSG will become the first team in history to secure 3 consecutive victories at Barca’s home in European competition.

For Luis Enrique, this will be the fifth time facing his former club and the third since leaving Barca. In the previous 4 encounters, the Spanish coach has only one win, which was the 4-1 victory with PSG in the Champions League quarterfinals in April 2024, while 2 of the other 3 losses occurred when he managed Celta Vigo in the 2013/14 season.

Another highlight comes from the squads of both teams, the most anticipated factor in the upcoming showdown.

PSG currently boasts one of the best midfield lines in Europe, featuring the trio Vitinha, Joao Neves, and Fabian Ruiz. This strength was clearly demonstrated in their Champions League campaign last season. Meanwhile, Barcelona is equally formidable with the well-coordinated duo Pedri and Frenkie de Jong, promising an intense midfield battle.

Up front, the presence of Ousmane Dembele and Lamine Yamal, two leading stars in the 2025 Ballon d’Or race, will add essential "spice." Finishing second might motivate Yamal even more, while Dembele will have a chance to prove the worth of the current Ballon d’Or holder.

The match between Barcelona and PSG will take place at 2:00 AM on October 2nd.

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