BETTING GUIDE: Barcelona vs Paris Saint-Germain, Match Preview, Team News and betting tips
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Reading Time: 4min | Wed. 01.10.25. | 07:00
Barcelona enters this contest in red-hot form, having reclaimed the top spot in La Liga after a resilient 2-1 comeback win over Real Sociedad.
In what promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the UEFA Champions League, league phase, Barcelona hosts Paris Saint-Germain in a clash of European giants under the lights in Catalonia.
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With both sides among the favourites to go deep into this year’s competition, fireworks are expected in this blockbuster midweek contest.
Barcelona enters this contest in red-hot form, having reclaimed the top spot in LaLiga after a resilient 2-1 comeback win over Real Sociedad.
Hansi Flick’s side are unbeaten in their last five matches across all competitions, with four wins and a draw, scoring 15 goals and conceding just three in the process.
Their Champions League campaign began on a high note with a tough 2-1 victory at Newcastle, underlining their competitive edge away from home.
Recent performances have included a statement 6-0 thrashing of Valencia and a commanding 3-0 home win over Getafe.
Marcus Rashford has quickly settled into his role on the wing, registering two goals, while Robert Lewandowski continues to lead the line with deadly efficiency - netting five times in his last six appearances for club and country.
Their head-to-head record with PSG might show recent defeats, but the famous 6-1 comeback of 2017 still lingers in Catalan memory.
Recent history favours the visitors, with PSG winning 4-1 in their last two visits to Barcelona - both in the knockout stages.
Injuries have started to stack up for Flick, especially in key areas.
First-choice keeper Marc-André ter Stegen is sidelined with a back injury, and summer signing Joan Garcia is also unavailable due to knee surgery, so Wojciech Szcezeny is expected to start between the sticks.
Alejandro Balde and Raphinha are out, while Gavi and Fermin Lopez miss out in midfield.
Despite these setbacks, Barcelona are expected to line up in a fluid 4-3-3 in possession.
The backline could feature Pau Cubarsà and Ronald Araújo centrally, with Eric Garcia possibly shifting wider.
In midfield, Pedri will operate in a free role, flanked by Frenkie De Jong and probably Dani Olmo, while Marcus Rashford and Lamine Yamal stretch play out wide.
Lewandowski will spearhead the attack, benefiting from early crosses and cutbacks.
Expect Flick’s side to play with high pressing intensity, dominating possession and using their attacking full-backs to overload PSG’s wide areas.
PSG travel to Barcelona fresh from their Champions League title win earlier this year - a 5-0 dismantling of Inter Milan in the final.
Luis Enrique’s side started their title defence with a commanding 4-0 win over Atalanta, and their domestic form has been largely solid, save for a shock 1-0 loss to bitter rivals Marseille.
In their last five matches, PSG boast 4 wins and 1 loss, scoring 14 goals and conceding four.
However, their recent trips to Catalonia have been fruitful, famously winning 4-1 in 2021 and again in April 2024, making them confident travellers.
Enrique, a former Barça coach himself, knows this ground well - and will look to exploit it.
Team news
PSG will be without Ousmane Dembélé, who recently won the 2025 Ballon d’Or but misses this clash due to a thigh injury.
Marquinhos remains a major doubt after missing the win over Auxerre, while midfielders Fabián Ruiz, Vitinha, and Desire Doue are all sidelined.
Noham Kamara also misses out due to suspension.
Enrique will likely deploy a 4-3-3, featuring a defensive pivot in Senny Mayulu, flanked by Zaire-Emery and possibly Kang-In Lee, if fit.
At the back, Lucas Hernandez, Ilya Zabarnyi, and Lucas Beraldo will form the core, while Achraf Hakimi is expected to return at right-back after resting domestically.
Up front, Gonçalo Ramos leads the line, supported by Ibrahim Mbaye and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia on the wings.
This PSG team is built for high-paced counters and punishing defensive lapses - something Barcelona have shown signs of when pressed.
This match will hinge on midfield control and defensive transitions. Barcelona’s pressing game and ability to dominate the ball will be tested by PSG’s speed in transition.
If Pedri can find pockets of space and dictate the tempo, Barcelona may keep PSG pinned.
However, any lapse in positioning from Barcelona’s full-backs could invite PSG’s wingers to wreak havoc on the break.
With both sides boasting elite strikers and goal-laden recent form, the first goal will be crucial.
If Barcelona score early, they can suffocate PSG with possession.
If PSG strike first, especially on the break, it could unlock a chaotic, end-to-end contest - which historically has suited the Parisians.
Key Pointers
PSG have won their last two trips to Catalonia by 4-1 scorelines
Each of the last five Champions League meetings between these sides saw both teams score
Both teams' last three UCL matches have produced a combined total of 17 goals
Barcelona’s home record under Flick has been strong, with 3 consecutive wins
PSG are missing key players, reducing their playmaking and attacking depth.
Prediction: Over 2.5 goals
While PSG remain a deadly force, especially on the counter, their depleted midfield and lack of depth could cost them against a Barcelona side thriving under Flick’s structured system.
The Catalans’ home form, tactical organisation, and a sharper pressing game could tip the scales - but do not expect a clean sheet either way.
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