PSG v Barcelona: Adeyemi poses fresh threat to Parisian defence

Paris Saint-Germain host Barcelona in one of the standout fixtures of the 2026/27 UEFA Champions League league phase on Tuesday, with both sides unbeaten after winning their opening two matches.

The match at Parc des Princes kicks off at 20:00 WAT (21:00 local time in Paris) and could have an early impact on the league-phase standings.

One of the key subplots will be Barcelona forward Karim Adeyemi, the Germany international whose father is Nigerian and mother Romanian. The former Borussia Dortmund player joined Hansi Flick’s side this summer after previously being a target for Nigeria.

Adeyemi has scored in both of his Champions League appearances for Barcelona, coming on as a substitute on each occasion. His pace and ability to attack space make him a particularly dangerous option for Flick to introduce during the game.

Form guide

Luis Enrique’s Paris Saint-Germain go into the match on a run of six consecutive victories, scoring 19 goals during that sequence. Their 4-2 win at Manchester City was the clearest indication of their European ambitions, while Saturday’s 3-1 victory at Strasbourg – achieved after a second-half comeback with a rotated team – underlined the depth of their squad.

However, PSG have conceded in each of their past five matches. They have allowed at least one goal in every game during that period, a weakness Barcelona will be expected to test.

Barcelona have won all nine of their La Liga matches this season, matching Real Madrid’s record start to a Spanish top-flight campaign from 1968-69. They also recorded an impressive 5-2 victory at Real Betis on Saturday, with Lamine Yamal, Rodri, Gabriel Jesus, Eric Garcia and Dani Olmo among the scorers.

In Europe, Barcelona recovered from falling behind to beat Galatasaray 4-1 on matchday two. Adeyemi scored the final goal after coming off the bench with 25 minutes remaining.

Yamal has produced 19 goal contributions in 11 competitive appearances this season. PSG will need to prevent him from finding room, as the teenage forward’s influence could prove decisive.

Adeyemi could target Hakimi’s space

Achraf Hakimi’s attacking instincts can leave room behind him, particularly when PSG’s defensive line pushes forward. That could suit Adeyemi, whose two Champions League goals for Barcelona have both come after runs behind an exposed defence.

The Germany international may be especially effective if the match becomes stretched in the second half. His ability to enter from the bench and attack the space behind an advanced Hakimi gives Barcelona a clear route to test PSG.

Team news

PSG will be without Nuno Mendes and Senny Mayulu. Lucas Digne is expected to play at left-back, while Maghnes Akliouche is a doubt after the Strasbourg match.

Barcelona have concerns over Eric Garcia and Gerard Martin following the win at Betis. Kounde is expected to start, Raphinha is pushing for a place in the team after returning from injury, and Adeyemi is likely to begin on the bench.

Predicted XI – PSG (4-3-3): Safonov; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Digne; Fabian Ruiz, Vitinha, Joao Neves; Doue, Dembele, Kvaratskhelia.

Predicted XI – Barcelona (4-2-3-1): Joan Garcia; Kounde, Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, Cancelo; Rodri, Pedri; Yamal, Fermin Lopez, Gordon; Raphinha.