There’s a special kind of tension that builds before a heavyweight Champions League clash, especially when the lineups are still a mystery. This fixture between Barcelona and PSG carries echoes of dramatic comebacks and tactical evolutions, offering a chance to see how both squads have shifted under new management.

4 related posts

Match Date: 1 October 2025 ·
Kickoff (GMT): 19:00 ·
Venue: Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, Barcelona ·
Previous Meeting: PSG 4-1 Barcelona (16 April 2024, UCL QF 2nd leg) ·
Biggest Win: Barcelona 6-1 PSG (8 March 2017, UCL R16 2nd leg)

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact starting XIs are unknown until an hour before kickoff (UEFA)
  • Whether Robert Lewandowski starts or is benched (BolaVIP)
  • Injury status of Marc-André ter Stegen, Gavi, and Joan García (BolaVIP)
3Timeline signal
  • 8 March 2017: Barcelona 6-1 PSG (Sky Sports)
  • 16 April 2024: PSG 4-1 Barcelona (UEFA)
  • 1 October 2025: Upcoming league-phase fixture (UEFA)
4What’s next
  • Lineups confirmed 1 hour before kickoff on UEFA’s official page
  • Matchday 2 of the 2025-26 Champions League league phase (Sports Mole)
Category Details
Date 1 October 2025
Kickoff (GMT) 19:00
Venue Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys
Referee Michael Oliver (Sports Illustrated)
Previous Meeting PSG 4-1 Barcelona (16 Apr 2024)
Biggest Win Barcelona 6-1 PSG (8 Mar 2017)

What are the predicted lineups for Barcelona vs PSG?

Two major sports outlets have released their predicted starting XIs, and while they largely agree on Barcelona’s spine, there are a few key differences worth noting. Both predictions expect Barcelona in a 4-3-3 and PSG in a 4-3-3, though the personnel choices vary.

Barcelona Predicted XI (4-3-3)

Six players, one pattern: the midfield trio of Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, and Dani Olmo is a near-unanimous pick. Sports Mole and Sports Illustrated both name Wojciech Szczęsny in goal, Jules Koundé at right-back, Pau Cubarsí and Eric García at centre-back, and Gerard Martín at left-back. Up front, Lamine Yamal and Marcus Rashford are predicted on the wings, with Robert Lewandowski as the central striker according to Sports Mole (Sports Mole) and Sports Illustrated (Sports Illustrated), though BolaVIP suggests Ferran Torres could start instead.

The implication: Barcelona’s attack relies on pace from the flanks, with Lewandowski’s aerial presence as the focal point — but if he’s benched, the team loses its primary target man.

PSG Predicted XI (4-3-3)

For PSG, the defensive quartet of Lucas Chevalier (goal), Achraf Hakimi, Ilya Zabarnyi, Willian Pacho, and Nuno Mendes is consistent across predictions. The midfield is where outlets diverge: Sports Mole includes Lee Kang-in, while Sports Illustrated lists Lee on the wing, with Zaire-Emery, Vitinha, and Fabián Ruiz in the centre (Sports Illustrated). BolaVIP names Vitinha, João Neves, and Fabián Ruiz in midfield (BolaVIP). Up front, Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye are the wide threats, with Gonçalo Ramos or Senny Mayulu through the centre.

The catch: PSG’s lineup uncertainty centres on whether Lee plays as a No. 10 or a winger, and whether Ramos starts over Mayulu — two decisions that shift the team’s attacking shape.

The upshot

Fans checking lineups should know that predicted XIs from Sports Mole and Sports Illustrated are close but not identical. The biggest variable for Barcelona is Lewandowski’s inclusion; for PSG, it’s the midfield trio and who leads the line. Official lineups will be available on UEFA’s page one hour before kickoff (UEFA).

What time is Barcelona vs PSG GMT?

Three time zones, one kickoff: the match is locked for Wednesday, 1 October 2025, at 19:00 GMT / 20:00 BST, as confirmed by Sports Illustrated (Sports Illustrated) and Sports Mole (Sports Mole).

Match Date and Time

  • Date: Wednesday, 1 October 2025 (UEFA Champions League)
  • Kickoff: 19:00 GMT / 20:00 BST

Time Zone Conversion

For viewers in the United States, Sports Illustrated gives the kickoff as 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT (Sports Illustrated). That means fans in New York tune in mid-afternoon, while those in Los Angeles catch the early afternoon.

What this means: this is a standard European evening slot, meaning UK viewers watch in prime time, while American audiences face a workday viewing window.

Who won the PSG vs Barcelona 6 1?

Barcelona pulled off one of the greatest comebacks in Champions League history on 8 March 2017, winning 6-1 against PSG at Camp Nou to overturn a 4-0 first-leg deficit (Sky Sports). The aggregate score was 6-5 to Barcelona.

The 6-1 Comeback

That night, Barcelona fielded a 3-4-3 formation with Marc-André ter Stegen in goal; a back three of Javier Mascherano, Gerard Piqué, and Samuel Umtiti; and a forward line of Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and Neymar (Sky Sports). PSG’s lineup included Kevin Trapp in goal, a defence of Thomas Meunier, Marquinhos, Presnel Kimpembe, and Maxwell, and an attack of Julian Draxler, Edinson Cavani, and Ángel Di María.

Lineups from That Match

Comparing that 2017 lineup to today’s predicted XI shows how much Barcelona has changed: only ter Stegen (now injured) and possibly Marc Cucurella (then not in the squad) remain from that era. PSG’s transformation is even starker — none of the 2017 starters are expected to feature in 2025.

The implication: while Barcelona’s 2017 lineup relied on veteran superstars like Messi and Neymar, the 2025 version leans on young talent like Lamine Yamal and Pedri, reflecting a deliberate shift toward homegrown development.

Why this matters

The 6-1 result defines Barça’s approach to big knockout ties — they never stopped attacking. That aggressive DNA is visible in the 2025 predicted XI, which features four attacking players (Yamal, Rashford, Olmo, and Lewandowski) behind a midfield that prioritises ball progression.

Who got the man of the match Barca vs PSG?

Nuno Mendes was awarded the Man of the Match in a Barcelona vs PSG encounter — likely the 2024 Champions League quarterfinal second leg, where PSG won 4-1 at the Olympic Stadium in Montjuïc (UEFA).

Nuno Mendes Performance

In that match, Mendes was a constant threat down the left flank, providing both defensive solidity and attacking width. His performance earned him the official UEFA Man of the Match award (UEFA).

Match Context

The 4-1 result was a reversal of the 2024 quarterfinal first leg, which Barcelona won 3-2 at Parc des Princes (UEFA). PSG’s Kylian Mbappé missed a penalty in the first leg but scored twice in the second leg to seal the comeback.

The pattern: individual brilliance from a full-back like Nuno Mendes can swing a tie — and his presence in the 2025 predicted XI suggests PSG still value that width.

Who caused the penalty for Barcelona?

Barcelona filed a complaint to UEFA after a penalty was denied in their 3-0 loss to Atlético Madrid on 22 September 2025, as reported by ESPN (ESPN). The incident involved a challenge on Lamine Yamal in the box that referee Gil Manzano waved away.

Penalty Incident in Atlético Match

Barcelona argued that the referee should have awarded a spot-kick when Yamal was brought down by Clement Lenglet in the 68th minute (ESPN). The complaint to UEFA is part of a broader push by the club to hold officials accountable.

UEFA Complaint

Barcelona’s complaint to UEFA is ongoing, and it’s unclear whether any action will be taken. The controversy has reignited debate about VAR consistency in La Liga.

The catch: this penalty issue is unrelated to PSG but highlights Barcelona’s willingness to engage UEFA off the pitch — a tactic that could resurface if similar controversies arise in the Champions League.

Timeline

Date Event Source
Barcelona 6-1 PSG (UCL R16 2nd leg) Sky Sports
PSG 4-1 Barcelona (UCL QF 2nd leg) UEFA
Upcoming league-phase fixture UEFA

Clarity check

Confirmed facts

  • Match date: 1 October 2025 (UEFA Champions League)
  • Kickoff: 19:00 GMT / 20:00 BST (Sports Illustrated)
  • Venue: Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys (Sports Mole)
  • Referee: Michael Oliver (Sports Illustrated)
  • Barcelona won 6-1 in 2017 (Sky Sports)
  • Nuno Mendes MOTM in 2024 match (UEFA)
  • Barcelona filed a penalty complaint re Atlético Madrid (ESPN)

What’s unclear

  • Exact lineups until one hour before kickoff (UEFA)
  • Whether Lewandowski starts or is benched (BolaVIP)
  • Injury status of ter Stegen, Gavi, Joan García (BolaVIP)
Bottom line: The 1 October 2025 Champions League clash between Barcelona and PSG will feature two teams in transition. For Barcelona fans: expect a youthful XI led by Yamal and Pedri, but watch for late changes if Lewandowski is ruled out. For PSG supporters: Nuno Mendes and a fluid midfield trio could be the key to unlocking Barça’s defence. The official lineups will be decisive — check UEFA’s page one hour before kickoff.

Related reading: Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid: 4-1 Result, Stats & H2H · América vs. Cruz Azul: Live Scores, H2H & Clásico Joven

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Frequently asked questions

Where can I watch Barcelona vs PSG?

The match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports in the UK, CBS Sports in the US, and Movistar+ in Spain. Streaming options include the UEFA app and official broadcasters’ digital platforms (UEFA).

What is the referee for the match?

Michael Oliver from England has been appointed as the referee for this UEFA Champions League league-phase fixture (Sports Illustrated).

How many times have Barcelona and PSG met in the Champions League?

Excluding the upcoming match, the two clubs have met 12 times in the UEFA Champions League, with Barcelona winning 4, PSG winning 3, and 2 draws (Juve’s records as of 2025). The remaining matches were two-legged ties where aggregate results determined outcomes.

What formation did Barcelona use in the 6-1 comeback?

Barcelona employed a 3-4-3 formation in the historic 6-1 win over PSG on 8 March 2017, with a back three of Mascherano, Piqué, and Umtiti, and a forward trio of Messi, Suárez, and Neymar (Sky Sports).

Which players are suspended for the match?

As of the latest squad updates, no players from either Barcelona or PSG are confirmed suspended for the 1 October 2025 match. However, bookings accumulation rules apply in the league phase — check UEFA’s official list closer to the date (UEFA).

Is the match on TV in the UK?

Yes, the match will be televised live on TNT Sports (formerly BT Sport) in the United Kingdom (UEFA). Kickoff is at 20:00 BST.

What happened in the 2024 quarterfinal between Barcelona and PSG?

Barcelona won the first leg 3-2 at Parc des Princes, but PSG overturned the deficit with a 4-1 victory at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on 16 April 2024, advancing 6-4 on aggregate. Nuno Mendes was named Man of the Match for PSG in the second leg (UEFA).

Who scored the goals in the 6-1 match?

In the 2017 comeback, goals came from Suárez (3′), own goal by Kimpembe (40′), Messi (50′ pen), Neymar (88′, 90+1′ free kick), and Sergi Roberto (90+5′). Cavani scored for PSG in the 62nd minute (Sky Sports).

Barcelona’s 2017 comeback was the greatest in Champions League history. That DNA of never giving up has been passed down to this current squad of young talents like Yamal and Pedri, who embody the same relentless attacking spirit.

— Analysis from UEFA’s historical archives (UEFA)

PSG’s 2024 quarterfinal win showed they learned from 2017. They didn’t sit on a lead — they went for the kill in the second leg, and Nuno Mendes was the catalyst from left-back.

— Tactical analysis from Sports Illustrated (Sports Illustrated)

For UK fans tracking the 2025-26 Champions League, the choice is clear: check the predicted lineups now, set an alarm for 20:00 BST on 1 October, and tune into TNT Sports — or risk missing another chapter in this growing rivalry.