PSG vs Barcelona in October: A High-Stakes European Test for Luis Enrique’s PSG
1 octobre 2025
What are PSG's October matches?
Paris Saint-Germain, under Spanish coach Luis Enrique, is geared up for a demanding October as they balance domestic duties with Europe’s premier competition. The French champions have collected a bundle of trophies in 2025 and are chasing continued success on both the continental and global stages, while also looking to translate recent domestic momentum into big results abroad.
The Parisians will play six games this month: four in Ligue 1 and two in the Champions League, a schedule that will test squad depth and strategic patience. October’s slate could define how PSG space out their resources across three competitions and how they manage minutes for a squad that’s busy but hungry for more silverware.
What are PSG's matches in October?
Enrique and his players kick off the month with the toughest assignment—an away trip to Barcelona at Montjuïc, in what promises to be a pivotal Group Stage fixture. The mood in both camps is expectant as a rivalry that has produced legendary moments once again returns to the European spotlight.
PSG began their European campaign with a convincing 4-0 win at home against Atalanta, while Barca earned a valuable 2-1 victory away at Newcastle United at St James’ Park, thanks to a brace by their star on loan from Manchester United this season.
Four days later, PSG face Lille away in a stern Ligue 1 test, then the schedule pauses for two weeks because of international fixtures, giving players a chance to regroup before the domestic and European calendar resumes.
After the international break, PSG return to action at home against Strasbourg on October 17, before traveling to Bayer Leverkusen for the third Champions League game. The rest of the month features two more Ligue 1 road trips to Brest and Lorient on October 25 and 29, leaving just one home fixture at Parc des Princes in October.
What did PSG achieve in September?
September was a very successful month for the Parisians in both trophies and the pitch. Their standout star, Ousmane Dembélé, won the Ballon d’Or, while coach Luis Enrique picked up the Johan Cruyff Award for world’s best coach and PSG were celebrated as the World Team of the Year. On the pitch, PSG played four matches, winning three—against Atalanta in the Champions League and vs Lens and Auxerre in Ligue 1—before losing the big clash to rivals Marseille, which ended a longstanding winless run in the derby for their opponents.
Head-to-head: Barcelona vs PSG
Wednesday’s showdown in Montjuïc will be the 16th direct encounter between PSG and Barcelona in continental competitions. Across 15 prior meetings, PSG have five wins, Barca six, and there have been four draws, with PSG scoring 27 and Barca conceding 28 in those battles.
PSG have had the edge recently, knocking Barca out of the quarterfinals in the 2023-24 season and having previous success in the 2020-21 last-16, while Barca’s memorable 6-1 remontada at Camp Nou in 2017 remains a touchstone for the PSG camp. What is PSG’s squad for Barcelona?
Enrique named a 20-man squad for the Barca match, with a mix of regulars and hopefuls, while several players were sidelined by injuries. The lineup featured a blend of experience and youth as PSG aim to hit the ground running in the group stage.
In contrast, Barcelona also have a few absentee notes as they prepare for the midweek duel, and both teams will be without a couple of key players as the match looms. The tactical chess game between Enrique and his Barça counterpart will be fascinating to watch as both sides look to assert control in a high-pressure October window.
Bottom line
The October schedule sets PSG on a mission to translate September’s momentum into a strong European push while keeping pace in Ligue 1. A decisive result in Montjuïc would send a clear message about their ambitions this season, even as injuries and fatigue threaten to disrupt plans. The stage is set for a classic European showdown that could define the tone for weeks to come.
Two quick snipers for the road: If October were a weapon, PSG just loaded it. And if football is a theater, this is the scene where Barca’s plot twist meets PSG’s punchline—and the curtains haven’t fallen yet.
