The clash between FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain was one of the highlights of the second matchday in the UEFA Champions League group stage. Beyond the football itself, pre-match statements fueled the tension, and the result on the pitch only amplified the narrative.

What Did Pedri Say Before the Match?

In the pre-game press conference, Pedri was bold in his assessment, claiming that while PSG may be the reigning champions of Europe, he still saw Barcelona as the best team in the world.

“PSG is one of the best teams in the world and we are the best. Or at least that’s how I see it,” the Canary Islands midfielder stated.

Adding to the build-up, Lamine Yamal also took to social media with a defiant message:

“I’m back, and so is the mission.”

How Did Vitinha Respond After PSG’s Win?

Despite missing key attackers, including Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé, PSG managed to secure victory over Barcelona. After the final whistle, Portuguese midfielder Vitinha was asked about the pre-match comments from the Barça camp.

His reply was sharp:

“This happens sometimes, we know there are these kinds of statements before games. It can happen. We don’t care at all. We just wanted to play the match, we won it, and we are happy about that.”

PSG Making a Statement in Europe

With this victory, PSG not only brushed off the pre-game words but also reinforced their status as one of the main contenders for the Champions League crown. Meanwhile, Barcelona are left needing to reassess their path in a group that promises plenty of drama until the very end.

This back-and-forth between words and performance once again underlines how the Champions League is as much about psychology as it is about football.