Yamal takes centre stage in Barca-PSG showdown

Lamine Yamal, fresh off almost becoming the youngest Ballon d'Or winner at 18, will be the centre of attention when Barcelona host defending champions PSG in Wednesday's Champions League group-stage clash at the Olympic Stadium.

With the new Ballon d'Or holder, PSG star Ousmane Dembele sidelined through injury, the stage is clear for his Barcelona successor to stake an early claim for next year's crown. Yamal has already returned from a groin problem to inspire Barca's win over Real Sociedad at the weekend, a result that pushed them above Real Madrid in La Liga.

PSG, however, remain a daunting hurdle. The French champions have haunted Barcelona in recent years, knocking them out in the 2021 round of 16 and again in the 2024 quarterfinals, winning on both trips to Camp Nou.

Even so, the stakes are not as brutal under the competition's revamped group format. Both sides are also heavily weakened by injuries. PSG will miss captain Marquinhos, Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue, while Barcelona will be without goalkeeper Joan Garcia, winger Raphinha and long-term absentee Gavi.

"It's a different competition and we're playing against last season's best team. I loved what I saw from them last year," Barcelona boss Hansi Flick said on Tuesday. "It's a big challenge and we're looking forward to this match. We are Barcelona, and we like being favourites for the Champions League, but we know it takes a lot of work."

Flick also tried to keep the spotlight from burning too hot on Yamal. "I don't like this 'super' label. He's exceptional, but he's 18 and needs to focus on working hard. He has the talent to take another step forward, but it's about effort and improving all aspects of his game, including defensively."

With 35-year-old Wojciech Szczesny expected to start in goal, Barca will lean on youthful flair and veteran stability.

PSG will be without captain Marquinhos, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue alongside Dembele, and Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia, forward Raphinha and long-term absentee Gavi are unavailable.

Barcelona edged Newcastle United in their opening group game, while PSG launched their title defence in style with a 4-0 demolition of Atalanta.

HIGHLIGHTS

*This will be the 16th meeting between Barcelona and PSG in major European competitions. Barca have triumphed on six occasions, with PSG winning five times and four matches being drawn.

*Since winning three straight Champions League games against PSG in 2014-15 –- all of which came under Luis Enrique – Barcelona have only won two of their last six meetings with the French side in the competition (D1 L3).

*Robert Lewandowski has only scored one Champions League goal against PSG, netting for Bayern Munich in December 2017. His ratio of 450 minutes per goal against them is his worst versus any side in the competition.

*Barca and PSG scored 43 and 38 goals respectively in last season's competition, at least seven more than the next most-prolific teams (Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund had 31 apiece).