Paris Saint-Germain – FC Barcelona: Preview

This Tuesday evening, the whole of Europe will have its eyes fixed on the Parc des Princes. Facing the Parisians, the two-time defending champions, are Barcelona. The Catalan club, which has recorded 11 wins from 11 matches played this season, appears to be in unreal form, averaging over four goals per match since the start of the season. On the continental stage, the Blaugranas have impressed against Feyenoord Rotterdam (5–1) and Galatasaray (1–4).

This speaks volumes about the immense challenge facing Paris Saint-Germain. In their bid to become the first team to upset the Spaniards this season, Luis Enrique’s men will be able to draw on their dazzling victory at the City of Manchester Stadium last week (2–4), as well as their successful start to the competition just over a month ago against Slovan Bratislava (6–1). Whilst the opposition will be a very different one this Tuesday evening, the Rouge et Bleus’ ambition remains the same.

3.8 – Of the fixtures that have taken place at least 10 times in the history of the Champions League, only the clash between Ajax and Bayern Munich (3.9) has a higher average number of goals per match than the fixture between Paris Saint-Germain and FC Barcelona (3.8, with 57 goals in 15 matches).

4 – Barcelona have scored at least four goals in four consecutive Champions League group stage matches, the longest such run by any team in the history of the Champions League.

12 – Paris are unbeaten in their last 12 Champions League matches (8 wins, 4 draws) and could equal their longest unbeaten run in the competition, set between October 2012 and November 2013 (13 matches).

In goal for Barcelona, Hansi Flick continues to put his trust in Joan García. The Spanish international, who has now established himself as one of the top goalkeepers, is preferred to the more experienced Wojciech Szczęsny and Dominik Livakovic. In front of him, Gerard Martín is expected to keep his place. Despite a foot injury, the Spanish defender should partner the excellent Pau Cubarsí, who, at just 19 years of age, is already the linchpin of the Catalan defence, whilst Andreas Christensen remains sidelined through injury. At right-back, uncertainty looms in the absence of Jules Koundé and Eric García.

The versatility of João Cancelo and Xavi Espart will therefore be a welcome asset for the German manager, who could field both players on the flanks in defence, thereby leaving Alejandro Balde on the bench at the start of the match. In midfield, Rodri is already proving indispensable. The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner is the true heartbeat of Barcelona’s play, and he is likely to remain so despite Frenkie de Jong’s return to the squad. The former Manchester City defensive midfielder will, of course, be supported by Pedri – himself a World Cup winner with Spain last summer – to form one of the most effective partnerships in the world.

So will Marc Bernal and Gavi start on the bench, just like Dani Olmo? Despite his impressive performances since arriving in Catalonia, the Spanish international is feeling the heat from the meteoric rise of one of his national team-mates: Fermín López. The attacking midfielder, who came through the ranks at La Masia, has been establishing himself more and more firmly in Barcelona’s starting line-up since last season, and is the favourite to start against the Parisians. To his right, Lamine Yamal has already racked up 9 goals and 10 assists in 11 matches this season, and will be one of the main threats to the Parisian defence.

But he will be far from alone, as captain Raphinha is expected to make his return to the starting line-up at the forefront of the Blaugranas’ attack. With 14 goals and 3 assists in 9 matches, the former Rennes player continues to rack up the numbers, and he could be replaced during the match by Gabriel Jesus, who has already settled in well with the Catalan squad. Finally, two other summer signings will share the left flank of Barcelona’s attack: Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi, but it is certainly the former who seems to have the edge to start the match at the Parc…