Injury-Hit Barcelona and PSG Clash in High-Stakes Champions League Showdown
FC Barcelona hosts reigning Champions League champions Paris Saint-Germain in a high-stakes duel, with both teams grappling with injury crises. Historically, matches between these two giants have been high-scoring, with a total of 27 goals scored between them.
Barcelona faces a significant injury blow, with key players Marc André Ter Stegen, Joan Garcia, Fermin Lopez, Gavi, and Raphinha all sidelined. Luis Enrique had to replace Ousmane Dembele with Lamine Yamal on the bench due to Dembele's injury. Despite these setbacks, Barcelona's lineup remains formidable, featuring Szczesny, Gerard Martin, Cubarsi, Eric Garcia, Kounde, Pedri, Olmo, De Jong, Rashford, Ferran, and Yamal. The team has been in impressive form, taking the league lead after a comeback against Real Sociedad and securing a first-round Champions League win against Newcastle.
PSG also faces injury challenges, with Ousmane Dembele, Marquinhos, Desiré Doué, and Kvicha Kvaratskhelia all unavailable. However, their lineup still packs a punch, with Chevalier, Mendes, Pacho, Zabarnyi, Hakimi, Fabian Ruiz, Vitinha, Joao Neves, Barcola, Mayulu, and Mbaye ready to take the field. PSG has had successful visits to Barcelona in the past, winning their last two matches 4-1 before Hansi Flick's tenure. Young players like Dro Fernandez for Barcelona and Quentin Ndjantou, Ibrahim Mbaye, or Mathis Jangeal for PSG could make an impact in the starting lineup.
With a rich history of high-scoring matches and both teams battling injuries, this Champions League clash promises to be a thrilling encounter. Barcelona, riding high on their recent form, will look to maintain their league lead and Champions League momentum. PSG, despite their injury woes, will seek to continue their winning streak against Barcelona and defend their Champions League title.
