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FC Barcelona return to Europe’s biggest stage with unfinished business. After narrowly missing out on last season’s final against Inter Milan — eliminated in heartbreaking fashion in the dying seconds — the Catalan club enters this year’s competition determined to go further. Their campaign began with a tough away trip to Newcastle in mid-September, where Hansi Flick’s side struggled to break through in the first half but eventually prevailed 2-1, thanks to a second-half brace from Marcus Rashford.
Domestically, Barcelona have made a solid start in La Liga as they aim to defend their league crown. Matches against Getafe, Oviedo, and Real Sociedad await them in the build-up to their showdown with Paris Saint-Germain, making squad management crucial.
PSG’s Title Defense Underway
Paris Saint-Germain begin this Champions League season as defending champions for the first time in club history, having demolished Inter 5-0 in last May’s final. The Parisians picked up right where they left off, sweeping aside Atalanta 4-0 in their group stage opener, underlining their credentials as one of the strongest sides in Europe.
But facing Barcelona will be their first true test of the campaign. Luis Enrique’s team has enjoyed a perfect start domestically, sitting top of Ligue 1 after four consecutive victories. Before traveling to Catalonia, PSG will host rivals Marseille in Le Classique and then welcome Auxerre — fixtures that could test their depth.
Team News: Injury Concerns on Both Sides
Barcelona have dealt with several fitness issues. Lamine Yamal, the teenage sensation who already has two La Liga goals, missed the matches against Newcastle and Getafe with a pubic injury. His recovery is progressing well, and he is expected to return in time for this European clash.
More troubling are the absences of key players: captain Marc-André ter Stegen, midfield dynamo Gavi, left-back Alejandro Baldé, and rising talent Fermín López (2 goals in La Liga). They were recently joined on the injury list by Raphinha and goalkeeper Joan García. Still, Flick can rely on Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, and Robert Lewandowski to anchor the attack. Rashford, fresh from his decisive double in Newcastle, is also expected to start alongside Yamal.
For PSG, the big loss remains Ousmane Dembélé. The French winger, who won the Ballon d’Or ahead of his former teammate Yamal, is still sidelined after picking up an injury on international duty. Captain Marquinhos is also out with a quadriceps problem, and highly rated youngster Goué is unavailable.
There is good news, however: midfielder João Neves has returned to training after limping off against Atalanta, while Bradley Barcola has also rejoined the squad, featuring against Auxerre last weekend. Star winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who scored a stunning goal on Matchday 1, is expected to start. If Neves is not fully fit, Warren Zaïre-Emery could line up alongside Fabián Ruiz and Vitinha in midfield.
Match Outlook
Barcelona’s recent form at home in Europe has been formidable. The Catalans have won the majority of their last 20 Champions League fixtures at the Camp Nou (now temporarily playing at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys) and have scored three or more goals in each of their last six European home games.
PSG, meanwhile, have the confidence of champions and the firepower to cause problems, but injuries to key players could tilt the balance in Barcelona’s favor. This clash not only pits two star-studded squads against each other but could also serve as an early indicator of who truly has the quality to go all the way this season.
Prediction
Barcelona’s home advantage, combined with their attacking depth and strong European record, makes them favorites in this heavyweight clash. PSG’s absences may prove decisive in a game of fine margins.
Prediction: Barcelona 3 – 1 PSG
