Barcelona vs Paris Saint-Germain Preview
The second matchday of the 2025/26 Champions League Group Phase provides the forum for the high-octane showdown in Catalonia between perennial Spanish powerhouse Barcelona and defending European champions Paris Saint-Germain.
In this article, we cover the predicted lineups, latest injury news, head-to-head record, betting odds and a score prediction for Barca versus PSG on Wednesday.
Barcelona are unbeaten atop of La Liga after winning six times and drawing once across their first seven La Liga fixtures. Hansi Flick's men have put on an attacking clinic early in the season as the Catalans are averaging three goals per match.
Paris Saint-Germain are level on points with Lyon at the top of the Ligue 1 table as they seek their fourth successive French title. Luis Enrique's men are aiming to recreate the magic of the previous season after swapping top European goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma for Lucas Chevalier in the summer transfer window.
Barcelona vs. Paris Saint-Germain Head-to-Head Record
PSGand Barcelona have met on fourteen previous occasions, dating back to 1995 when the sides drew 1-1 in a Champions League Quarterfinals first leg matchup.
Each side has won five times, lost five times and drawn four times across their 14 showdowns. Most recently, PSG eliminated Barca from the 23/24 UCL Quarterfinals by an aggregate score of 6-4.
Fixture Trivia
Matchday 2 Trivia: What player was shown a red card during the second leg of the Champions quarter-final tilt between the sides in April 2024?
Matchday 1 Trivia: Who is Newcastle's all-time leading goal scorer versus Barcelona?
Answer: Faustino Asprilla holds the record for the most career goals scored by a Newcastle player against Barcelona, with three goals. His hat-trick came during the memorable 3–2 Champions League group stage victory at St. James' Park on September 17, 1997.
(Answer to Matchday 2 trivia question revealed in Matchday 3's preview article)
Betting Odds and Predictions for Barcelona vs. Paris Saint-Germain Match
UEFA Champions League Odds Comparisons
Moneyline Odds
DraftKings: BAR -120 Draw +320, PSG +270
FanDuel: BAR -125 Draw +330, PSG +270
BetMGM: BAR -118 Draw +310, PSG +270
Bet365: BAR -120 Draw +320, PSG 270
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RECENT FORM
Barcelona have started the season in strong form, earning 19 points from a possible 21 across their first seven La Liga fixtures. The Catalans have been held under three goals scored in just two of seven matches.
Paris Saint-Germain have not conceded a goal across their last four fixtures and outscored their opponents 9-0 over the four-match winning streak.
FORMATIONS
Barcelona have commonly employed a 4-2-3-1 under Flick, who allows for a dynamism within the team. Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski are typically paired in attack, with the former sometimes playing alongside Lewandowski and at other times, playing off the left wing.
The system has been built upon the ability of a midfield duo consisting some combination of Frenkie de Jong, Marc Casado and Pedri to operate on both ends of the pitch.
Enrique is likely to deploy his starting XI in a 4-3-3 formation. Enrique's high-pressing style demands a high work rate form his outfield players. When in possession, look for PSG's flexibility to flourish as the Parisians transform into a 3-2-5 or 2-3-5 shape with the ball.
LINEUP NOTES & INJURY NEWS
Champions League Predicted & Confirmed Lineups
Barcelona Injury News
Barcelona are nursing a number long-term injuries up and down their ranks. Goalkeeper and club captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen (back) is out for an undisclosed amount of time as he recovers from surgery, and fellow goalkeeper Joan Garcia (knee) has also been ruled out for four-to-six weeks. Diego Kochen has been recalled from loan to serve as depth behind veteran Wojciech Szczesny while Barca's two keepers are on the mend.
Full-back Alex Balde (hamstring) has missed Barca's last five fixtures. If deemed fit, his minutes will likely be limited and shared with Gerard Martin.
In the midfield, Gavi (knee) remains months away from a return as he recovers from surgery. Gavi's midfield compatriot Fermin Lopez (groin) is also not available for the high-profile showdown and is likely out through the international break.
Raphinha (thigh) is likely out through the end of October. Ferran Torres and Roony Bardghji featured in Barca's recent victory over Real Sociedad. Expect Torres or Dani Olmo to get the first crack in Raphinha's absence.
Paris Saint-Germain Injury News
An extended campaign for PSG that included a Ligue 1 title, a Champions League title and a second-place finish at the Club World Cup have exacted a toll early in this season's chase for glory.
Veteran defender Marquinhos (quad) is set to miss the fixture with Lucas Beraldo the most likely option to serve in his stead.
Midfielders Joao Neves (hamstring) and Vitinha (undisclosed) are both question marks ahead of the fixture with the latter coming off after just 36 minutes in PSG's most recent league fixture and the former not having featured since coming off injured in the second half of the Parisians' opening UCL fixture. Look for Warren Zaire-Emery and Kang-In Lee to play critical roles in Enrique's midfield if Neves and Vitinha are unable to play.
In attack, Enrique will be without Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele (hamstring), Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue.
While Bradley Barcola (hamstring) made the squad list and is available, PSG are still lacking a ton of their usual options. Expect some new faces in the attack with Ibrahim Mbaye and Goncalo Ramos most likely to start Wednesday.
KEY MATCHUPS
Midfield Muscle vs Midfield Depth
A key component of Barca's pedal to the metal, downhill approach is their ability to boss the game in the center of the park. Look for Frenkie de Jong and Pedri to feature in a double-pivot role as they seek to control the pace of play.
In opposition, PSG's midfield three is likely to feature regular starter Fabian Ruiz with depth options Senny Mayulu, Kang-In Lee and Warren Zaire-Emery the potential selections in the two midfield spots that accompany Ruiz. If the make-shift PSG midfield is overrun, Barca could control the match.
Lewandowski against PSG Central Defense
With Marquinhos on the sidelines for the fixture, Lewandowski will be licking his chops for a chance at a makeshift Paris Saint-Germain backline. Lewandowski has scored four goals across seven appearances (three starts) in all competitions this season.
Enrique's options to counter Lewandowski's impact in the wake of Marquinhos's injury will face a challenge in keeping the physical striker in check. Lucas Beraldo, Willian Pacho and Illia Zabarnyi are each possibilities to feature in central defense Wednesday. Beraldo scored in PSG's last league fixture. Pacho played the full 90 minutes in their opening Champions League fixture, and high-value summer signing Zabarnyi has played the full 90 minutes in four of PSG's last five fixtures.
MAN OF THE MATCH
Dani Olmo should have ample opportunity to pick a game-changing pass Wednesday from his place in attacking midfield. As Barca's double-pivot transitions the team from defense to attack, look for Olmo to be the link between the lines. From his space in the pocket behind Lewandowski, the attacker should have his pick of direct passes or passes to the wide areas or as he seeks to connect with one of the clinical attackers to breakdown the depleted PSG midfield and defense.
PREDICTED RESULT
Barcelona 3 - Paris Saint-Germain 1
UPCOMING FIXTURES
Barcelona: Oct. 21 vs Olympiacos
Paris Saint-Germain: Oct. 21 at Bayer Leverkusen
