The UEFA Champions League is back with a blockbuster showdown that feels like a final preview: Barcelona vs PSG on October 1, 2025, at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. As the reigning Ligue 1 leaders host the La Liga frontrunners, this Matchday 2 fixture in the league phase promises fireworks. Both sides kicked off their campaigns with wins—Barcelona edging Newcastle 2-1 away, and PSG demolishing Atalanta 4-0 at home—setting the stage for a tactical chess match between Hansi Flick and Luis Enrique. With star power on both benches and injury woes testing squad depth, here’s your ultimate Barcelona vs PSG preview, covering form, injuries, predicted lineups, and our score prediction.
Injuries Update: Both Sides Battling Absences
Injuries are a major storyline, with PSG hit harder, missing up to seven key players, including Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé. Barcelona’s depth is tested, but Lamine Yamal’s return boosts their attack.
Barcelona Injury Report
|
Player |
Injury |
|---|---|
|
Raphinha |
Thigh (hamstring) |
|
Fermín López |
Hip |
|
Gavi |
Meniscus (knee surgery) |
|
Marc-André ter Stegen |
Back |
|
Joan García |
Knee (meniscus surgery) |
|
Pau Cubarsí |
Knee |
|
Alejandro Balde |
Recent knock |
Good News: Yamal (groin) is back after an assist against Real Sociedad and could start. Balde is training but likely a substitute. Wojciech Szczęsny, the ex-Arsenal veteran, debuts in goal with big-game pedigree.
PSG Injury Report
|
Player |
Injury |
|---|---|
|
Ousmane Dembélé |
Hamstring |
|
Marquinhos |
Thigh |
|
Désiré Doué |
Calf |
|
João Neves |
Hamstring |
|
Vitinha |
Muscle |
|
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia |
Thigh knock |
|
Bradley Barcola |
Muscle |
|
Lucas Beraldo |
Ankle |
|
Kang-in Lee |
Ankle |
Luis Enrique brushed off concerns after a 2-0 win over Auxerre, but Dembélé’s absence (40 goal involvements this season) stings. Vitinha and Kvaratskhelia are game-time calls, while Ilya Zabarnyi and Willian Pacho hold a patched-up defense.
Predicted Lineups: Tactical Battles Up Front
Flick’s 4-2-3-1 leans on possession and wing speed, with Yamal and Rashford stretching defenses. Enrique’s fluid 4-3-3 may turn pragmatic without key midfielders.
Barcelona Predicted XI (4-2-3-1)
-
GK: Wojciech Szczęsny
-
DEF: Jules Koundé, Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsí (or Andreas Christensen if unfit), Gerard Martín
-
MID: Frenkie de Jong, Pedri
-
ATT: Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Marcus Rashford
-
ST: Robert Lewandowski
Key Subs: Ferran Torres (for Rashford), Alejandro Balde (left-back). Rashford, on loan from Manchester United, has five goal involvements in five starts—expect him to trouble PSG’s backline.
PSG Predicted XI (4-3-3)
-
GK: Lucas Chevalier
-
DEF: Achraf Hakimi, Ilya Zabarnyi, Willian Pacho, Nuno Mendes
-
MID: Fabián Ruiz, Warren Zaïre-Emery, Senny Mayulu (if Vitinha unavailable)
-
ATT: Bradley Barcola, Gonçalo Ramos, Ibrahim Mbaye
Key Subs: João Neves (if fit), Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (right-wing option). Without Dembélé, Barcola shifts left, and Ramos leads after his Atalanta brace.
Yamal vs. Hakimi on the flanks will be a must-watch duel.
Score Prediction: Barcelona 3-1 PSG
Barcelona’s home dominance (unbeaten in UCL since 2024) and PSG’s defensive injuries give the edge to the hosts. Barca have scored 3+ in six of seven home UCL games, while PSG conceded in four of six away ties. Lewandowski (6 goals this season) opens the scoring, Yamal adds a gem, and Ramos nabs a late consolation for PSG.
Key Players to Watch in Barcelona vs PSG
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona): Ballon d’Or runner-up, back from injury. His dribbling could shred PSG’s midfield—expect 1+ shot on target.
Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona): 105 UCL goals for Barca; lethal against shaky defenses.
Gonçalo Ramos (PSG): Filled Dembélé’s void with a brace vs. Atalanta—ready for a counter strike.
Warren Zaïre-Emery (PSG): The 19-year-old’s energy could disrupt Pedri and De Jong.
