Barcelona head into another major European test knowing that their defensive organisation could prove decisive against one of the continent’s most dangerous attacking sides.
Hansi Flick’s team have made a strong start to their Champions League campaign, collecting six points from their opening two matches.
Their attacking quality has again been central to their progress, but facing elite European opposition leaves little room for defensive mistakes.
Paris Saint-Germain present a particularly difficult challenge, with Luis Enrique’s side combining technical quality in midfield with pace and creativity in the final third.
Both teams arrive level on six points, although PSG have scored 10 goals compared with Barcelona’s nine, giving the French champions a slight advantage on goal difference.
Barcelona will also be eager to make a statement against the reigning European champions after previous meetings between the sides produced plenty of drama.
PSG receive double injury boost ahead of Barcelona clash
Barcelona have now received an unwelcome update ahead of their Champions League meeting with PSG, with Maghnes Akliouche and Senny Mayulu recovering from injury concerns and expected to be available for selection, as reported by Mundo Deportivo.
Both players had been struggling with knocks sustained during PSG’s 3-1 Ligue 1 victory over Strasbourg on Saturday.
However, they returned to full training on Monday and completed the session without apparent problems, putting them in contention for the European encounter.
Their recovery comes as a relief for Luis Enrique, particularly after left-back Nuno Mendes was ruled out with a thigh injury that is expected to keep him sidelined for several weeks.
The PSG manager will still be without an important defensive option, but having Akliouche and Senny Mayulu available gives him additional choices in attack and midfield.
The return of Akliouche and Mayulu does not necessarily mean either will start, but it strengthens PSG’s options during a match that could be decided by the quality of the substitutes.
Barcelona will need to manage the spaces between their defensive and midfield lines carefully, particularly if PSG look to introduce fresh attacking players later in the game.
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