🗓 Match Info & Context
| Competition | UEFA Champions League, Group Stage (Matchday 2) Barca Blaugranes+2FC Barcelona+2 |
| Date & Kickoff | October 1, 2025 Barca Blaugranes+2The Standard+2 |
| Time | ~ 21:00 CEST / 20:00 BST local kickoff in Barcelona FC Barcelona+2The Standard+2 |
| Venue | Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys (Barcelona) Barca Blaugranes+2FC Barcelona+2 |
| Referee | Michael Oliver (England) |
🧩 Team News & Expected Lineups
Barcelona
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Key absences: Ter Stegen (back injury), Gavi (knee), Raphinha. The Standard+5Barca Blaugranes+5El País+5
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Return / available: Lamine Yamal expected to start. Barca Blaugranes+3The Standard+3Barca Blaugranes+3
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Likely formation: 4-2-3-1
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Goal: Szczesny Barca Blaugranes+2Al Jazeera+2
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Defense: Koundé, Araújo, Cubarsí, Martín Barca Blaugranes+2Al Jazeera+2
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Midfield: De Jong, Pedri Barca Blaugranes+2Barca Blaugranes+2
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Attack / wings: Yamal, Olmo, Rashford, Lewandowski Al Jazeera+3
PSG
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Missing players: Dembélé, Kvaratskhelia, Marquinhos. The Standard+3NBC Sports+3Yahoo Sports+3
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Strong midfield: Vitinha, João Neves, Fabián Ruiz expected to form the core. Barca Blaugranes+3Barca Blaugranes+3Yahoo Sports+3
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Possible attack: Barcola, Ramos, and reliance on fullbacks (e.g. Hakimi) for width.
🔍 Key Battles & Tactical Points
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Midfield control will be crucial. Barcelona’s double pivot (De Jong / Pedri) against PSG’s trio will determine who has the tempo.
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Flank duels: Yamal vs PSG’s left side; Hakimi might push high. Barca Blaugranes+2NBC Sports+2
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Defensive vulnerabilities: With injuries, both sides have to be careful on transitions.
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Set pieces & pressing: Barcelona tend to press high; PSG must be sharp in breaking that pressure
📈 Head-to-Head & Form
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Historically, the two teams have played several times: Barcelona 5 wins, PSG 5 wins, 4 draws. UEFA.com+2Al Jazeera+2
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Recent games: high-scoring, tense matches (e.g., PSG 4-1 Barcelona in April 2024) ESPN.com+2Barca Blaugranes+2
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Barcelona are on a strong run (multiple wins) Barca Blaugranes+2Barca Blaugranes+2
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PSG also have depth and quality, though affected by injuries.
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