The UEFA Champions League 2025/26 group stage continues with a high-stakes clash as Barcelona hosts defending champions Paris Saint Germain on October 1, 2025, at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. Both teams opened their campaigns with victories and now face off in what could be a pivotal match in Group F.

Match Timeline and Kickoff Details

Kickoff is set for 9:00 PM CEST (12:30 AM IST on October 2). PSG arrived in Barcelona on September 25, followed by press conferences, tactical sessions, and final squad announcements. The match will be broadcast live on Sony LIV in India and UEFA’s official platforms globally.

Barcelona defeated Newcastle United 2–1 away in their opening fixture, while PSG cruised past Atalanta BC with a 4–0 win at Parc des Princes.

Barcelona’s Momentum Under Hansi Flick

Barcelona enters this match on a five-game winning streak across competitions. Under Hansi Flick, the team has shown tactical sharpness, fluid attacking transitions, and defensive resilience. Their win at St James’ Park featured a brace from Marcus Rashford, who has quickly become a key figure in the front line.

Injury concerns persist. Marc-André ter Stegen, Joan Garcia, Gavi, Raphinha, and Fermin Lopez remain unavailable. Wojciech Szczesny will start in goal, while Lamine Yamal returns to the lineup after recovering from a groin issue.

Barcelona’s expected XI: Szczesny; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Martin; Pedri, De Jong; Yamal, Olmo, Rashford; Lewandowski

PSG’s Squad Strength and Injury Updates

Paris Saint Germain began their title defense with a dominant 4–0 win over Atalanta, featuring goals from Marquinhos, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Nuno Mendes, and Gonçalo Ramos. Manager Luis Enrique has built a side that thrives on tactical discipline and attacking depth.

However, PSG faces several injury setbacks ahead of the Barcelona clash.

• Ousmane Dembele, recently crowned Ballon d’Or winner, is ruled out with a hamstring injury.
• Desire Doue and Kvaratskhelia are also sidelined due to muscle issues.
• Marquinhos is recovering from a thigh injury and will miss the match.

Fitness tests cleared Vitinha, Joao Neves, and Fabian Ruiz, all of whom are expected to feature.

PSG’s expected XI: Chevalier; Hakimi, Zabarnyi, Pacho, Mendes; Ruiz, Neves, Vitinha; Zaire-Emery, Ramos, Barcola

Tactical Preview: Midfield Control and Wing Play

Barcelona will look to dominate possession, using Flick’s high-pressing system and quick vertical transitions. PSG is likely to respond with compact defending and explosive counters, especially through Bradley Barcola and Gonçalo Ramos.

The midfield battle between Pedri–De Jong and Vitinha–Neves–Ruiz could define the rhythm of the match. Wide duels between Yamal and Mendes, and Barcola versus Kounde, will be key to unlocking space.

Head-to-Head History

Barcelona and PSG last met in the 2023/24 quarterfinals, where PSG overturned a first-leg deficit with a 4–1 win in the second leg. Barcelona has not lost a competitive match since May and has scored three or more goals in six of their last seven Champions League home games.

Where to Watch

The match will be streamed live on Sony LIV in India, TNT Sports in the UK, and Paramount+ in the US. UEFA’s digital platforms will offer live stats, commentary, and post-match analysis.