Barcelona is prepared to host Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in a highly anticipated match in the league phase of the UEFA Champions League. The exciting encounter will take place at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys in Barcelona, Spain, on Wednesday, October 1, at 9 PM local time (19:00 GMT). As each team prepares to face off under the lights, important misses are creating narratives on both ends.
Away from the pitch, Barça are riding high on the success of a stellar season. They’ve won all five of their last matches in all competitions! On the other hand, PSG has only won four times while losing once in their last five matches. These two teams most recently played one another on April 16, 2024. PSG went on to a comprehensive 4-1 win in the Champions League quarterfinal second leg.
Team News and Injuries
With the final looming, it appears both teams will have their game plans severely affected by injuries that will change the matchups on the field. Barcelona’s prodigy Lamine Yamal, one of the most exciting young players in world football, will be making his return. He was sidelined due to a groin injury for four games. His return will be a huge plus for Xavi’s attacking options.
On the flip side for Barcelona, Raphinha will miss out through a hamstring injury. As the new campaign begins to unfold, PSG now faces a constantly increasing list of injuries. Key contributors such as Ousmane Dembélé have been out since early September, and Desire Doue will miss time until at least early October due to a right calf strain. It doesn’t help that star winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is currently injured, preventing him from taking the pitch. Marquinhos will miss the match after suffering a left thigh injury.
“Watching a game between Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain with five or six important players [from both teams] not playing … to me it’s a shame, for the manager, [Hans] Flick, and for fans of both teams,” – Luis Enrique (PSG)
These injuries in part have fans and coaching staff worried about them at the same time. Barcelona’s coach Hans Flick admitted that this season has been particularly strange with regards to the number of injuries suffered by the team.
“I think [the amount of injuries] is not normal for us, but some injuries just happen … We are having a look to see what we can do better; we will analyse everything and every training and we’ll see what [will] happen and if we have to adapt,” – Hansi Flick (Barcelona)
Recent Performances
Barcelona has put together a potent run as of late, riding an 11-match unbeaten streak across all competitions. Yet this remarkable performance is underpinned by stellar teamwork and smart play overall. Flick pointed to the power of coordination and collaboration in all their recent wins.
“It was a team victory. They knew how to play and it was hard work, but we deserved it,” – Hansi Flick (Barcelona)
Barcelona’s ability to maintain composure under pressure and exploit opponents’ weaknesses has been key to their success so far this season. The spirit on the team is extremely high right now. Their sparkling undefeated home record through Champions League matches for the current 2024-25 season adds to that confidence.
PSG has shown their own mental fortitude, coming up with a win in four of their last five matches in all competitions. They remain a dangerous threat to anybody who steps on the pitch with them. Players in the mold of Kylian Mbappé are essential to PSG’s success. They’ll be looking to his talent to help them overcome their own injury woes and fire at Barcelona’s soft underbelly.
Historical Context
The recent history of Barcelona and PSG further spices up this exciting matchup. Barcelona would be licking their wounds after a heavy loss in their last match up against the LA Galaxy. Now, they are hell bent on getting revenge on their own home soil. With both teams looking to claim bragging rights within the Champions League, the stakes don’t get much higher.
Barcelona supporters should look forward to an exciting atmosphere at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. They are going to cheer like crazy for their team. PSG supporters will be eager to see their team build on previous successes against Barcelona and continue their strong form.
