The Matchday 2 clash of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League group stage between Barcelona and PSG will take place on October 1 at the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium. Barcelona vs. PSG: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Barcelona
In the previous round, the Catalans secured a 2-1 victory away against Newcastle, thanks to a brace from Marcus Rashford. This win marked their first in four recent Champions League matches (2 draws, 1 loss). Moreover, it was the first time in this period that Barcelona conceded fewer than three goals. The Spanish side has scored in 21 consecutive Champions League games, netting at least twice in 5 of their last 6 encounters under Hansi Flick.
- Both teams scored in 8 of Barcelona's last 10 Champions League matches.
- The team has won 5 of their last 7 home games in this tournament (2 draws).
- At least one goal has been scored in both halves in 13 of Barcelona's last 15 home Champions League matches.
Predicted lineup for Barcelona (3-4-3)
Wojciech Szczęsny – Jules Koundé, Pau Cubarsi, Ronald Araújo – Gerard Martin, Pedri, Dani Olmo, Frenkie de Jong – Marcus Rashford, Robert Lewandowski, Ferran Torres.
Goalkeepers Joan Garcia, Marc-André ter Stegen, forward Raphinha Dias, and midfielders Fermín López, Gavi are injured. Forward Lamine Yamal has recovered from an injury.
PSG
The Parisians started the tournament with a confident 4-0 victory over Atalanta. Luis Enrique's side has won 6 of their last 7 Champions League matches, scoring even in their single loss during this period. Furthermore, the French team has scored at least twice in 5 of their last 6 Champions League games. In the first round, PSG's scoring was surpassed only by Eintracht, who netted 5 times.
- At least three goals have been scored in 5 of PSG's last 6 Champions League matches.
- In 6 of their last 7 away Champions League games, the club has not conceded more than one goal.
- The team has won 5 of their last 6 away matches in this tournament (1 loss).
Predicted lineup for PSG (4-3-3)
Lucas Chevalier – Willian Pacho, Illya Zabarnyi, Nuno Mendes, Achraf Hakimi – Fabián Ruiz, Lee Kang-In – Bradley Barcola, Vitinha, Senny Meulu.
In the squad's infirmary are defender Marquinhos, forwards Désiré Doué and Ousmane Dembélé, who recently won the Ballon d'Or. Forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and midfielder João Neves are doubtful.
Referee
Michael Oliver (England)
Matches – 20 (International matches, 2024/25-2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 80;
Average yellow cards per match – 4;
Red cards shown – 3;
Average fouls per match – 23;
Penalties – 30%.
Barcelona vs. PSG: Match Prediction
The rivals have a rich history of encounters in the Champions League, with all matches delivering plenty of excitement and goals. The upcoming clash is unlikely to be an exception.
Before the match against Newcastle, the Catalans conceded 9 goals in three Champions League games. They also failed to keep a clean sheet in England. On the international stage, Barcelona has defensive issues, keeping only two clean sheets in their last 10 Champions League matches. In the upcoming match, Hansi Flick will also be without two goalkeepers. However, the head coach can rely on the attack, as the club has scored at least twice in 12 of their last 14 Champions League games.
The Parisians impress with their scoring ability, having netted 135 goals at the official level in 2025, more than any team in the top 5 leagues. This number could be even higher, but the French side missed 4 of their last 8 penalties in the Champions League. Away in this tournament, Luis Enrique's team has a six-match scoring streak, during which they scored 14 times. Unlike Barcelona, the club looks solid defensively, although they conceded 12 goals in their last 5 Champions League matches against the Catalans. However, they also scored the same 12 goals against the Spanish side.
My prediction: Total over 3
