After opening with a 2-1 win in Newcastle thanks to a Marcus Rashford brace, Hansi Flick’s FC Barcelona now hosts reigning European champions Paris Saint-Germain, coached by Luis Enrique, at Montjuïc. Despite multiple absences on both sides, the clash promises high drama.

Barça hit by injuries… but Yamal returns

Barcelona’s injury list has grown in recent weeks, with Marc-André ter Stegen, Joan García, Gavi, Fermín López, and Raphinha all sidelined—key players in Flick’s rotation. The good news is the return of Lamine Yamal, who came back against Real Sociedad and provided the decisive assist in the 2-1 victory that sent Barça back to the top of LaLiga.

The German coach may also have Alejandro Balde available, though he is more likely to start on the bench. Flick is expected to line up with Rashford and Lamine Yamal on the wings, with Ferran Torres as the central striker, leaving Robert Lewandowski among the substitutes. In midfield, Dani Olmo is set to start, while Eric García will cover for the injured Ronald Araújo in defense.

This could be Barça’s last European night at the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium before returning to the Spotify Camp Nou, giving the match an added sense of occasion.

PSG short on firepower, but confident in Montjuïc

The French champions arrive far from their best. Dembélé, Marquinhos, Doué, and Kvaratskhelia are all out, while Vitinha, Fabián Ruiz, and Joao Neves remain doubtful. With limited attacking options, Luis Enrique is banking on tactical discipline and possession to challenge Barcelona. “I really like Flick’s team; it connects perfectly with the club’s footballing identity,” the Asturian coach said at his press conference.

Moroccan international Achraf Hakimi agreed that the match will be decided “by small details” and warned about Lamine Yamal’s potential, though he expressed confidence in Nuno Mendes, calling him “the best left-back in the world.”

Despite their absences, PSG still tops Ligue 1 and comes into the clash with momentum after thrashing Atalanta 4-0 in their European opener, although they fell to Marseille (1-0) in Le Classique.

A clash with added emotion

Luis Enrique’s return to Barcelona adds an emotional layer to the showdown. “This is my home,” he said, not hiding his affection for the club where he grew both as a player and as a coach.

With similar playing styles and a rivalry that intensifies with every meeting, Barcelona vs PSG stands out as one of the headline fixtures of the group stage. Between the absences, the rising young stars, and the reunion of familiar faces, Montjuïc is set for a night of guaranteed spectacle.

Here are all the goals from the match: