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| Barcelona vs PSG Champions League Joan Laporta Barcelona |
The 2025–26 UEFA Champions League league-phase draw, held in Monte Carlo, has set the stage for a high-stakes showdown that felt like a script straight out of Joan Laporta’s imagination: Barcelona vs. Paris Saint-Germain. This pairing is more than just another match—it’s the fulfillment of a long-held dream by Barcelona’s president.
Laporta’s Longing for a Dream Match
Joining CNN in early August, Laporta didn't mince words: “Everybody that loves football last season said that Barça and Paris Saint-Germain were the teams offering the best football in the world... I hope we can face them this season” . His statement captured the sentiment of many fans and football experts, making the draw outcome all the more poignant—especially given PSG's status as the reigning Champions League winner, fresh off a dominant 5–0 victory over Inter Milan in last season's final .
The Draw: A High-Stakes Group Without Equal
According to El País, Barcelona has been drawn into a group with heavyweights like PSG and Chelsea, along with other challengers including Newcastle, Slavia Prague, Club Brugge, Eintracht Frankfurt, Olympiacos, and Copenhagen . Meanwhile, Reuters adds that PSG will also face formidable foes such as Bayern Munich, Tottenham, and Atalanta, making this match a highlight—but far from an isolated encounter .
This high-voltage matchup comes under UEFA’s revamped 36-team league-phase format, where each club plays eight distinct opponents (four home, four away), and the top eight teams advance directly to the Round of 16 .
A Nostalgic Rivalry Rekindled
The significance of this reunion goes beyond the current campaign. Fans will recall Barcelona’s legendary 6–1 comeback victory over PSG in 2017—“La Remontada”—one of the greatest Champions League nights in history . Whether this draw rekindles that fierce rivalry or moves into new territory, there's no denying the emotional current it ignites.
What’s at Stake for Both Clubs
Barcelona is coming off a historic season, completing a domestic treble and narrowly missing out on the Champions League crown. The clash with PSG now offers a chance to reaffirm their place among Europe’s elite .
PSG, as the defending champion with a domestic triple too, sees this fixture as a statement game—a test of whether they truly are the best, as Laporta suggested .
Fan Reactions: The World Wanted This Match
Online football forums buzzed with excitement. One fan wrote, “Them and PSG probably were the two teams most praised last season… Everyone wanted a Barca–PSG final.” Another echoed the nostalgia: “It’s a game that’s pending for the football world.” .
Looking Ahead: What We’ll Be Watching
Tactical battles: Laporta praised PSG’s style under their coach, acknowledging their quality while hoping Barcelona can challenge and replicate their success in the new format .
Strategic significance: Held under the new league-phase model, every point—and goal difference—matters. This match could decide not just bragging rights but actual advancement to the knockout stages.