PSG v Barcelona LIVE: Anthony Gordon starts as European heavyweights clash in Champions League
Paris Saint-Germain host this top of the table contest as they welcome Hansi Flick’s Barca
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Paris Saint-Germain host Barcelona in a Champions League contest that will determine which team ends the evening at the top of the league table.
It’s a battle between the French champions and the Spanish champions who are both unbeaten in the league phase so far and have collected a perfect run of two wins from two.
PSG sit top of the tree as things stand due to their superior goal difference which was helped by a 4-2 victory away from home against Manchester City last week. Luis Enrique’s men cruised to a win at the Etihad Stadium and proved why they are one of the favourites to defend their European title once again.
Barcelona, meanwhile, have been superbly impressive in their opening two league phase games. They swept Feyenoord aside 5-1 in their opening match before eclipsing Galatasaray 4-1 at home last time out. PSG are, of course, a huge step up in class so can Hansi Flick’s side earn themselves a third victory tonight?
Follow all the action from the Champions League with our live blog below:
PSG v Barcelona
Okay, it’s almost time for kick off.
These two teams sit first (PSG) and second (Barcelona) in the Champions League table.
They are champions of their respective domestic leagues and are two of the best teams in Europe.
It’s the type of match up that the Champions League was revamped to accommodate and we’ll find out which of the two teams could go the distance in this competition.
Kick off is up next...
Pedri on Vitinha
The Barcelona midfielder spoke about Vitinha who is perhaps the most crucial player in PSG’s midfield.
"He's a player who can be the point of difference,” Pedri revealed.
“One of the best, if not the best, in terms of playmaking. When he's not there, you notice it a lot. I like to play against players likes this.
“Competing against the best is always beautiful."
Flick on last season's defeat
Barcelona lost to PSG in last season’s league phase and Hansi Flick is hopeful of avoiding the same fate tonight.
“It was difficult. This season, from the start, we've played with the style that we want,” he said.
“We are a team with confidence and control of the ball. We will see what happens, but we are ready.
"I think that [it] is a good test for us. I would like for our team to play with confidence as a team who has won its last 11 matches.
“We are playing against the best team in the world over the last two years. For us, it's an opportunity."
Hansi Flick on Luis Enrique
Hansi Flick and Luis Enrique are both known as some of the best managers in Europe at the minute and the Barcelona paid tribute to his opponent at the pre-match press conference.
Of Enrique, Flick said: "His team plays fantastic football and he is one of the best coaches in the world.
“I love his intensity, the way his team press, the way they switch positions and the flexibility of his system."
On the road
Barcelona have been victorious in two of their last four games at Parc des Princes (one draw, one defeat) including the last fixture: a 3-2 win in the 2023/24 quarter-final first leg.
Raphinha scored twice while Ousmane Dembele and Vitinha scored the French side's first two goals.
PSG v Barcelona
The teams have met 16 times in Uefa competition with six wins each, four draws and 29 goals apiece.
PSG have lost only one of their last five meetings with Barcelona (three wins, one draw).
PSG are a 'complex opponent'
More from Pedri who went into detail on what his is expecting from the contst.
"We see it as a very difficult game against a complex opponent, but we don't see it as a final,” he explained.
“We want to win. It's a good opponent to test the level that we have in Europe. For me, given the style of play of both teams, it’s one of the best matches you can watch – if not the best.
“If I can, I’ll be lucky enough to enjoy it on the pitch, and I’ll do my best. I hope the fans enjoy it as well, and that we take the points home."

'A beautiful battle'
Barcelona star, Pedri, believes the match will be won or lost in midfield.
"I imagine a beautiful battle [in midfield],” he said at yesterday’s press conference.
“Both midfields suffer more when they do not have the ball so whoever has the ball tomorrow will have an advantage.
“We arrive with a good dynamic and with confidence."
'It will be a tight match'
More from Enrique who explained what he is expecting from the game.
"It will be a tight match because both teams have so much individual quality,” he said.
“Playing at home makes a difference to us; we are much stronger here. We are a machine: that is what I think when I see our players press."

Pre-match thoughts from Luis Enrique
Ahead of tonight’s clash with Barcelona the PSG boss said: "We want to win. In terms of the competition as a whole, it may not be that important, but it is a special fixture.
“These are two top clubs with a clear identity and they are both brilliant to watch, so we want to make the most of it. It will be a good sporting contest."
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