The Matchday 2 encounter of the 2025/26 Champions League group stage between Barcelona and PSG will be held on October 1 at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. Barcelona vs. PSG: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Barcelona
In the previous round, the Catalans secured a 2-1 away victory over Newcastle, thanks to a brace from Marcus Rashford. This win was their first in four recent Champions League matches (2 draws, 1 defeat). It was also the first time in this stretch that Barcelona conceded fewer than three goals. The Spanish side has scored in 21 consecutive Champions League games, and in 5 of their last 6 outings under Hansi Flick, they have netted at least twice.
- Both teams scored in 8 of Barcelona's last 10 Champions League matches.
- The team has won 5 of their last 7 home matches in this tournament (2 draws).
- At least one goal has been scored in both halves in 13 of Barcelona's last 15 home games in the Champions League.
Predicted lineup for Barcelona (3-4-3)
Wojciech Szczesny – Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Ronald Araujo – 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 Fermin Lopez, Gavi are injured. Forward Lamine Yamal has recovered from 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 lone defeat during this period. Moreover, the French team has scored at least twice in 5 of their last 6 Champions League outings. In the opening round, PSG outperformed only Eintracht, who scored five 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 conceded no more than one goal.
- The team has won 5 of their last 6 away games in this tournament (1 defeat).
Predicted lineup for PSG (4-3-3)
Lucas Chevalier – Willian Pacho, Ilya Zabarnyi, Nuno Mendes, Achraf Hakimi – Fabian Ruiz, Lee Kang-In, Senny Meyuly – Bradley Barcola, Goncalo Ramos, Ibrahima Mbaye.
Defender Marquinhos, forwards Désiré Doué and Ousmane Dembélé, who recently won the Ballon d'Or, are sidelined. Forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and midfielders Vitinha, Joao 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 opponents have a rich history of encounters in the Champions League, with all matches providing 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. Barcelona has defensive issues on the international stage, with only two clean sheets in their last 10 Champions League matches. In the upcoming game, Hansi Flick will additionally miss two goalkeepers. However, the head coach can at least rely on the attack, as the club has scored at least twice in 12 of their last 14 Champions League matches.
The Parisians are impressive in attack, having scored 135 goals at the official level in 2025 – more than any team in the top five leagues. This figure could have been even higher, but the French side missed 4 of their last 8 penalties in the Champions League. In this tournament, Luis Enrique's team has a 6-match scoring streak on the road, during which they scored 14 times. Unlike Barcelona, the club is defensively solid, but in their last 5 head-to-head meetings with the Catalans in the Champions League, PSG has conceded 12 goals. However, during this stretch, they have also scored 12 goals against the Spanish side.
My prediction: Total over 3
