Barça’s Comeback Call: Flick Sets a Bold Barca Lineup to Take on PSG in a Champions League Showdown
1 octobre 2025
Team news and lineup
Hansi Flick, Barcelona's manager, announced the squad for tonight's clash with Paris Saint-Germain at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on Montjuïc in the Champions League group stage, matchday two.
Alejandro Balde returned after medical clearance following a left thigh muscle injury sustained on September 3 during training at Sant Joan Despí. He had been out for five games, four in La Liga (Valencia, Getafe, Oviedo, Real Sociedad) and one in the Champions League against Newcastle.
Despite Balde's comeback, Barcelona continues to cope with several important injuries: long-term problems for Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and absences of other key players such as Gavi, Ferran López, and Rafinha.
Barcelona had opened their European campaign with a precious 2-1 away win at Newcastle, helped by Marcus Rashford's brace, reinforcing their status as contenders in a group led by PSG heading into the night's showdown.
Rivalry context and coach notes
The stage is set for a heavyweight clash that has often felt like a final in disguise. Last season, PSG captured the continental crown for the first time, while Barca's run ended dramatically with a 3-3 draw at Montjuïc and a 3-4 extra-time loss at the San Siro to Inter.
Louis Enrique, PSG's coach, and Hansi Flick, Barca's coach, have exchanged compliments ahead of the game. Enrique described Barca as his team and home and spoke highly of Flick's work; Flick called the PSG encounter a major challenge, with both sides chasing glory.
Historically, both managers left a mark on their teams by turning intensity into results: Barca and PSG emerged as two of Europe's most productive attacking sides last season, with Barca scoring 43 goals and PSG 38 in European competition.
Both clubs have emphasized a strong team ethos. Flick advocates a balanced approach where defense and attack operate in unison, while Enrique has been noted for setting high standards and demanding accountability from star players when necessary.
Before Flick's arrival, Barca faced a difficult spell under Xavi, who left in 2024 amid public scrutiny of transfer policy. With Flick, Barca has aimed to fix gaps, bring back midfield pillars like De Jong and Pedri, and rebuild confidence across competitions.
On the PSG side, Enrique's side has continued to pursue Europe's top prize, while Flick's Barca has sought to prove they can turn around fixtures and compete with the continent's best on both domestic and European fronts.
In short, the night shapes up as a tactical duel between two coaches who have shaped their squads into capable title contenders, each aiming to assert dominance in the Champions League group stage.
Punchline 1: If this match were a sniper test, the target would be the back of the net—one precise finish and the group might tilt toward Barcelona.
Punchline 2: And if you think the defense is asleep, don’t worry—the attackers are wide awake, and they brought more pace than a caffeine-fueled espresso shot.
