The UEFA Champions League brings another blockbuster showdown as FC Barcelona hosts Paris Saint-Germain at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on October 1, 2025, a fixture that has grown into one of Europe’s most iconic modern rivalries.
After enjoying a 2-1 comeback victory against Real Sociedad Barcelona will be confident that they can cope without their injured stars. Remember Softfootball reported that Barcelona suffered a double injury blow after losing key players in Joan Garcia and Raphinha, and according to reports PSG also have injury worries of their own with current Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele currently sidelined.
These two clubs have shared some unforgettable nights, none bigger than the 2016–17 Round of 16, where Barcelona produced the historic 6–1 comeback at Camp Nou, famously known as La Remontada. In that game, goals from Luis Suárez, Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Sergi Roberto sealed one of football’s greatest turnarounds.
PSG got their revenge in 2021, led by now Madrid’s star Kylian Mbappé, who netted a hat-trick at Camp Nou in a dominant 4–1 first-leg victory. The Parisians later knocked out Barça again in 2024, winning 6–4 on aggregate in the quarterfinals, a tie remembered for Mbappé’s brilliance and Dembélé’s strike against his former club.
Now, in the 2025–26 group stage, the rivalry takes centre stage once more, with both teams chasing early qualification momentum; Barcelona even uploaded a preparatory video on their official X handle, signifying their intense readiness for the game on Wednesday.
Watch the video below:
Team News
Barcelona enter this fixture with several absentees, most notably Raphinha, who remains sidelined. Manager Hansi Flick will need creativity from the likes of Frankie De Jong, Dani Olmo and Pedri to fill the creativity void. Also, Lamine Yamal, who created a beautiful assist just 1 minute after his introduction, will be looked at for inspiration if Barcelona wants to win the game.
For PSG, the injury list is starting to pile up. Vitinha and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia both limped off in their weekend win over Auxerre, while Ousmane Dembélé is already ruled out. Coach Luis Enrique faces tough selection decisions with his forward options limited.
Possible Lineups
Barcelona (4-3-3):
Szczesny; Kounde, Cubarsi, Araujo, Martin; Pedri, De Jong; Yamal, Olmo, Rashford; Lewandowski
PSG (4-2-3-1):
Chevalier; Hakimi, Zabarnyi, Pacho, Mendes; Lee, Vitinha, Zaire-Emery; Mbaye, Ramos, Barcola
Softfootball’s Prediction
This clash rarely disappoints. Barcelona have scored 2+ goals in 11 of their last 12 home Champions League matches, while PSG have not played a goalless UCL game in over 100 outings. Expect goals on both ends, even with key players missing.
Prediction: Barcelona 2–2 PSG
It’s a matchup that promises fireworks, old rivals, new stars, and another chapter in one of Europe’s most thrilling modern duels.
