Barcelona - PSG: A fierce and prolonged battle

PSG started their title defense campaign perfectly, dominating Atalanta from start to finish with a 4-0 victory.

Notably, in the two previous away games against Barca, PSG secured resounding wins. In those victories, Kylian Mbappe, then a PSG player, scored 5 goals (a brace and a hat-trick). Now, Paris no longer has the French superstar in their squad.

In this key match, PSG will also miss the current Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele due to injury. Vitinha is also absent for the same reason. Defensively, with goalkeeper Donnarumma transferred to Man City, PSG might also lose Joao Neves, who is racing to recover from injury. Meanwhile, captain Marquinhos is definitely out.

The lineup that coach Luis Enrique must field in this match certainly will not be his strongest, fitting his philosophy but possibly lacking the full quality for a big game.

This is considered a tough away trip for PSG against Barca.

Barcelona will also be missing several key players in this game. Notably, Raphinha, Gavi, and defender Cubarsi are absent. However, coach Hansi Flick is reassured by the timely return of young star Lamine Yamal from injury. Additionally, the loanee striker from Manchester United, Marcus Rashford, is in excellent form with 2 goals and 3 assists in 8 matches this season. The English forward has contributed to goals in 4 of the last 5 games. In the group stage opener, Rashford scored a brace to help Barca win away at Newcastle.

With Yamal and Rashford leading the attack and Pedri controlling the midfield tempo, the Catalan team is eager to defeat the reigning champions.

Last season, Barca missed the chance to create a dream final with PSG after losing to Inter Milan in the Champions League semifinals. This time, the match loses some promise as both teams are missing many stars. However, this does not make the game any less exciting.

The match is also highly anticipated due to Luis Enrique’s return to his “old home.” A decade ago, Barca won the Champions League under the guidance of this Spanish coach, which was their last European triumph. This is the first time the Asturian manager returns to Catalunya as a European champion with PSG.

Barca will play at home this time. In their last 20 home matches across all competitions, Barca have lost only once (in La Liga), drawn 4 times, and won 15 matches. This gives them great confidence hosting the European champions.

The victory over Real Sociedad last weekend in La Liga temporarily lifted Barca above Real Madrid to top the standings. For Yamal, it was a statement that he is ready to shoulder major responsibilities just when Barca needs it most.

Expected starting lineups for both teams

Barca: Szczesny; Kounde, Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin; De Jong, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Ferran Torres; Lewandowski

PSG: Chevalier; Hakimi, Zabarnyi, Pacho, Nuno Mendes; Joao Neves, Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz; Mbaye, Goncalo Ramos, Barcola