Yamal's Comeback Sparks Barcelona's Champions League Battle Against PSG
Barcelona faces their most significant Champions League challenge for the 2025–26 campaign against defending titleholders Paris Saint-Germain.
Lingering scars persist from PSG's elimination of Barcelona in the quarterfinals two seasons prior, a match that represented Luis Enrique's inaugural encounter against his previous club. This season's fixture provides spectators worldwide an opportunity to witness what many anticipated would have been last campaign's Champions League final showdown.
Hansi Flick aims to prevent repeating the misfortune that befell former manager Xavi, hoping his current squad can capitalize on their 2–1 victory over Newcastle United on the opening matchday—a triumph fueled by Marcus Rashford's double—in what many forecasted as last season's potential Champions League decider.
PSG enters the match missing several crucial squad members, notably 2025 Ballon d'Or recipient Ousmane Dembélé, presenting Barcelona with an opportunity to exploit these absences and maintain their encouraging seasonal momentum.
Here's Barcelona's potential formation.
Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. PSG (4-2-3-1)
GK: Wojciech Szczęsny—The experienced keeper will stand in for injured Joan García, with Marc-André ter Stegen also unavailable. Szczęsny boasts a strong record with Barça, suffering defeat in only two of 31 matches.
RB: Jules Koundé—The French defender, who questioned his colleagues' commitment levels following the Real Sociedad encounter, will mark his 150th appearance for the Catalans after scoring his eighth club goal in that fixture.
CB: Eric García—García has delivered outstanding performances to begin the campaign, featuring across various defensive positions. His ball-playing abilities and steadily improving defensive capabilities have significantly expanded his influence this season.
CB: Pau Cubarsí—Cubarsí was rested during the Real Sociedad match and should possess ample energy to handle PSG's dynamic attacking threats.
LB: Gerard Martín—While Alejandro Balde nears complete recovery, Gerard Martín has demonstrated his competence in securing Barcelona's left defensive zone. He'll earn his sixth straight start, marking his longest consecutive run with the first team.
CM: Frenkie de Jong—De Jong has delivered exceptional performances recently and aims to sustain this form against one of Europe's elite midfield units. When the Dutch international and Pedri synchronize effectively, Barcelona become nearly unstoppable.
CM: Pedri—Without hyperbole, Pedri has ranked among the world's finest players since the season commenced. The midfield virtuoso dominated Newcastle's formidable central trio in their previous European outing and carries confidence to replicate such dominance.
AM: Dani Olmo—Olmo has presented a puzzling case this season, alternating between brilliant displays and invisible performances. Flick has confirmed his Wednesday evening selection, with Barcelona requiring greater consistency from him.
RW: Lamine Yamal—Barcelona's number 10 returned from a month-long injury absence and needed merely sixty seconds to record his third seasonal assist. The Ballon d'Or finalist eagerly anticipates demonstrating why many regard him as the world's premier talent against the continental champions.
ST: Robert Lewandowski—Lewandowski now shares 20th position on Barça's historical scoring charts. He's netted two decisive goals within the past seven days and tops the squad with four seasonal strikes.
LW: Marcus Rashford—Rashford has contributed five goal involvements across five appearances since club football resumed following September's international fixtures. The English forward is establishing his rhythm, with his double securing Barcelona's three points in their Champions League opener.
LW: Marcus Rashford—Rashford has contributed to five goals in as many matches since domestic competition resumed after the September international period. The England striker is finding his form, and his brace delivered Barcelona maximum points in their European season opener.
