AFCON 2025
Barcelona face off with reigning European Champions PSG in a heavyweight clash on Wednesday night in what should be an enthralling encounter at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.
Both sides have started the season well in their domestic leagues, as well as the Champions League, having won their opening matches of the competition.
PSG got off to a flying start as they demolished Atalanta 4-0 two weeks ago, while Barcelona saw off a stubborn Newcastle 2-1 at Saint James’ Park on a night Marcus Rashford showed he still has what it takes to compete at the top level.
Ahead of the blockbuster clash on Wednesday night, Barcelona and PSG rekindle their rivalry on the pitch with both sides missing a couple of key players.
This post examines 3 reasons Barcelona will shock PSG.
PSG’s Depleted Squad Due to Injuries
PSG is heading into the match with a significantly weakened forward line, missing key players including Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé, Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Désiré Doué, and club captain Marquinhos due to injuries, forcing manager Luis Enrique to tweak his selection. Unfortunately, this could limit their attacking prowess and make it easier for Barcelona’s defense to contain them, potentially keeping a clean sheet.
Barcelona’s Attacking Threats
Despite their own injury concerns with Raphinha ruled out, Barcelona benefits from the return and strong performances of stars like Lamine Yamal, who recently set up a winning goal against Valencia, alongside Robert Lewandowski’s goal-scoring prowess and a solid midfield partnership between Pedri and Frenkie de Jong, praised by coach Hansi Flick for making it harder for opponents to press. This in-form core could exploit PSG’s vulnerabilities.
Home Advantage and Tactical Edge
Playing at home (at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys), Barcelona’s high-pressing style and organization could test PSG’s ability to play through the lines, especially with both teams dealing with absences, but Barcelona has the edge in home support and recent momentum in La Liga. PSG’s last two visits to Barcelona in the Champions League have ended in identical scorelines -4-1 wins over the Catalan giants, but the absence of key PSG players means Barcelona are in a position to stop the Parisiens from becoming the first team to defeat them at home three times in a row in a major European competition.
