Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 1/2
Bookmaker: Dachbet
In what is a blockbuster Champions League showdown on Wednesday night, Barcelona will welcome PSG to Catalonia.
Barcelona
Starting with the hosts, while there might have been plenty of raised eyebrows around Catalonia last summer following Hansi Flick’s arrival, the Spanish icons have embarked on a remarkable rise under the former Bayern Munich boss. Recapturing their domestic crown last season, the reigning La Liga champions have only continued to shine since opening up the new campaign. Last seen over the weekend mounting a comeback on home soil as they dragged themselves to a 2-1 victory against Real Sociedad, Barca have registered 19 points from their first seven domestic appearances and they have found a route back to the top of the La Liga table. Likewise, getting their Champions League adventure underway with a 2-1 win away at Newcastle on September 18th, Flick’s high-flying squad will be looking to make a heavyweight statement on Wednesday night.
Barcelona Team News
Undergoing knee surgery earlier in the month, summer recruit and number one goalkeeper Joan Garcia will not play any part. However, coming off the bench and making a cameo appearance in Catalonia, 18-year-old superstar Lamine Yamal could make a first start since returning from September’s international break.
Once again finding the net on Sunday and now registering five goals in his previous six appearances for club and country, ex-Bayern Munich ace Robert Lewandowski will lead the line here. Handed a full rest over the weekend, Pau Cubarsi could be handed a full recall at the heart of Flick’s defence.
PSG
As for the visitors, making major history back in May as they claimed a maiden Champions League crown thanks to a record-breaking 5-0 romp against Inter Milan in Munich, PSG have firmly underlined their status as Europe’s new poster boy. Although Luis Enrique’s men might have suffered a shock 1-0 loss against bitter domestic rivals Marseille on September 22nd, the former Barcelona boss saw his side come immediately roaring back. Last seen over the weekend clinching a routine 2-0 victory at home against Auxerre, PSG are widely regarded as a standout contender to defend their maiden piece of European silverware. Getting the defence of their Champions League crown underway with a stellar 4-0 romp at home against Italian outfit Atalanta on September 17th, Enrique’s side have also gained a fearsome reputation for their free-scoring performances in the final third.
PSG Team News
While Ousmane Dembele might have been crowned as the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner last week, the former Barcelona star is still dealing with a recent thigh issue and will miss out here. Likewise, skipper Marquinhos also faces a late fitness test after missing out against Auxerre on Saturday with a muscle injury.
Both getting on the scoresheet on Saturday and opening the respective Ligue 1 accounts, summer recruit Ilya Zabarnyi should keep his spot alongside Luvas Beraldo. However, handed a domestic rest over the weekend, Achraf Hakimi will be handed a full recall at right-back.
Key Factors to Consider
- When Barcelona and PSG met in the quarter-finals of the 2023/24 tournament, Enrique’s men collected a 6-4 aggregate win.
- PSG also stormed their way to a famous 4-1 romp when they last travelled to Catalonia back in April 2024.
- In fact, PSG have won their last two European trips to Catalonia by a remarkable 4-1 scoreline.
- The last three Champions League meetings between Barcelona and PSG in Catalonia have produced 17 goals at both ends of the pitch.
- Each of the last five meetings between the two European giants have finished with both teams finding the net.
Conclusion
In a showdown between two European icons, all eyes will certainly fall on Catalonia on Wednesday night. Watching PSG make real history back in May as they cruised their way to a maiden Champions League crown, Enrique’s men also hold a dominant recent record in Spain. In fact, the reigning European champions have won their last two trips to Catalonia by a 4-1 scoreline. Desperate to make another heavyweight statement on Wednesday night, chances could come thick and fast here.
Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 1/2
Bookmaker: Dachbet
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