Champions League spotlight: Paris Saint-Germain
The second opponent for FC Barcelona in the League phase of the 2025/26 Champions League are Paris Saint-Germain, one of the major clubs in Europe and current champion. Hansi Flick and the squad will welcome the Parisians on 1 October (kick-off 9.00pm CEST) for what is expected to be a high octane clash.
The opponent
PSG come into this edition of the Champions League on the back of a morale-boosting first European Cup, won last season against Inter in the final, and also having lifted the European Super Cup. With Luis Enrique at the helm, the Parisians no longer depend on individuals and now use a collective playing style featuring a lot of young talent that has become familiar across the continent.
There have been some changes in Paris Saint-Germain this season, especially in the goalkeeping department, as both Gianluigi Donnarumma and Arnau Tenas have left. In came Renato Marin and Lucas Chevalier to join Matvey Safonov to make their own claims to be the assured number one between the sticks. Other notable exits include Nordi Mukiele, Marco Asensio and Carlos Soler, along with the loaned Randal Kolo Muani, meaning there are fewer attacking options, but clearly faith in those available.
Despite these outgoings, PSG haven't turned the squad upside down, rather strengthening in key positions, and in defence in particular, with a commitment to continuing to show solidity. Furthermore, Luis Enrique has drawn on the freshness and excitement of youth players for the project.
Players to watch
The entire PSG squad are top level players, making highlighting one a difficult task, as each play their role towards collective success. All the same, there are some names that deserve a special mention given recent performances and on-pitch influence.
Ousmane Dembélé has become the leader in attack, with an ability to make the difference at any time. Vitinha is the engine in midfield, with quality and attacking intent. Young, quick Bradley Barcola brings freshness to the attack, while Nuno Mendes is a permanent fixture at fullback, providing solidity and attacking dynamism. Lastly, Joao Neves confirmed himself as one of the breakout stars of the squad with a memorable hat-trick last time out.
Past meetings
Matches between Barça and PSG are already a European classic. They have met 14 times in the Champions League, and there really isn't much to choose between them with 5 wins for both the blaugranes and the Parisians, plus 4 draws, and both sides scoring 27 goals.
The most recent meeting was in the 23/24 season, when Barça looked to be back on the Champions League trail, winning 2-3 at the Parc des Princes. Unfortunately for the blaugranes they lost the return leg 1-4 meaning they were eliminated. However, the signs were there that Barça were getting closer to showing their best in Europe.
Looking back to the last time the blaugranes ran out winners, there is the famous 6-1, a wonderful moment that will remain in the collective memory for FC Barcelona fans.
History
Founded in 1970, PSG are a relatively new club with a meteoric rise, especially since their Qatari owners came in. After striving to win their first Champions League for many years, they finally got their hands on the trophy in the 2024/25 season with Luis Enrique as coach, testament to the project coming to fruition.
The individual European records also stand out, with Mbappé remaining the all-time top scorer for PSG in the competition (42 goals), while Marquinhos has made the most appearances (107).