The updated UEFA Champions League format, now in its second season, promised an abundance of high-caliber matches right from the start. Wednesday`s highly anticipated clash between Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain perfectly embodies this vision. These two title contenders will face off on Matchday 2 of the league phase, in a fixture that serves as an early litmus test for each side`s aspirations for the ultimate prize.
Befitting such an occasion, the pre-match discussions have been characterized by mutual respect. Barcelona manager Hansi Flick lauded PSG as `the best team in the world,` acknowledging the French giants` impressive achievement of a historic treble and their recent appearance in the Club World Cup final. Meanwhile, PSG`s Luis Enrique reflected on his profound connection to Barcelona—a city he considers home, and where he spent a significant portion of his playing and managerial career. Expressing his happiness to be `back,` Enrique is well aware of why this particular game has been a circled fixture on the league phase schedule.
Enrique stated, “For us, it`s exciting and thrilling to play against a team that plays with the same mentality. They have a very high-level coach that I`ve known for a long time. Both the coach and the players are eager to play a good game. The two teams are similar, but the key will be to win the ball, in my opinion.”
Here’s what you need to know before tuning in:
Match Details & Odds
- Date: Wednesday, October 1
- Time: 3 p.m. ET (Eastern Time)
- Location: Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys – Barcelona, Spain
- Live Stream: Paramount+
- Odds: Barcelona -125; Draw +330; Paris Saint-Germain +270
Injury Woes for Both Barcelona and PSG
While Wednesday`s match is a significant event, neither team will arrive at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys at full strength. This means the fixture will serve more as an early assessment of their resilience rather than a definitive judgment of their true potential. This is particularly true for PSG, who are still without the newly crowned Ballon d`Or winner Ousmane Dembélé, as well as Desire Doué and Marquinhos. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia may also be unavailable, further complicating matters for the reigning European champions.
Regarding his team`s readiness despite injuries, Enrique affirmed, “No matter which players are there tomorrow, they will be part of a strong team, which is what we are. We will prepare for the match in the same way, in the best possible way to try to win the match.”
Flick, on Barcelona`s side, will be missing Fermín López, Joan García, and Gavi—all crucial players in Barcelona’s attacking philosophy.
Flick commented on managing these challenges: “It`s part of our job: we have to know how to manage injuries. We`re missing important players in midfield, but we have to have confidence in the young players.”
Nevertheless, several Barcelona stars will be available, including Ballon d`Or runner-up Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Robert Lewandowski. However, the player drawing most attention on Wednesday might just be Pedri. The midfielder`s reputation soared after retired Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes declared Pedri his new favorite player following Barcelona`s victory at Newcastle United, with Luis Enrique also adding his voice to the chorus of praise Pedri has garnered.
Enrique remarked about Pedri: “I know Pedri well. He`s a fantastic player. I love watching Barça, and especially a player like Pedri. He`s like Harry Potter but I really hope he leaves his magic at home tomorrow. Although Barça isn`t just Pedri; there are a lot of good players.”
Predicted Starting Lineups
Barcelona: Wojciech Szczęsny, Jules Kounde, Eric García, Pau Cubarsí, Gerard Martin, Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski
Paris Saint-Germain: Lucas Chevalier, Achraf Hakimi, Illia Zabarnyi, Willian Pacho, Nuno Mendes, Warren Zaïre-Emery, Vitinha, Fabián Ruiz, Lee Kang-in, Gonçalo Ramos, Bradley Barcola
