This Wednesday, during Matchday 2 of the 2025-2026 Champions League, Paris Saint-Germain faced FC Barcelona at the Montjuïc Stadium. After a match in which the Red and Blues were slow to get going, they came away with a commanding 1-2. Here are our ratings for the Parisians.
Goalkeeper –
Lucas Chevalier (4) – For the moment, Chevalier doesn’t seem to have gained all the confidence he needs since his arrival. He still needs to find that certain something that made him irresistible at Lille and that we’re missing in Paris.
Defenders –
Achraf Hakimi (7) – We saw some good Hakimi again. A true leader, he gave PSG character when they needed it. Very active, he had a very good performance.
Ilya Zabarnyi (6) – It’s important to remember that he’s not yet very experienced in the Champions League. He alternated between very good and not-so-good performances. He’s beginning to understand what awaits him at PSG and the demands of the highest level. That said, his performance was very encouraging.
Willian Pacho (7) – Still very good, he does so much good defensively. He often initiates defensive plays that render Blaugrana attacks futile. He has character and gives it to his team.
Nuno Mendes (7) – He was the originator of the Parisian goal in the first half with a great attacking display. He struggled at times against Yamal, but overall, he got his own back on the Spaniard in a few situations. His early yellow card put him in a bit of a bind.
Midfielders –
Warren Zaïre-Emery (5) – Very quiet yet very active, we expect him to shine more in Parisian play. He still seems too timid in his choices, as if he doesn’t really believe in them.
Vitinha (6) – We saw it from the start of the match; he didn’t take a throw-in after the kickoff. He probably still has doubts about his injury. He still played a key role in midfield.
Fabian Ruiz (5) – Less visible, more in trouble against a team that put on the pressure, he fought hard. Replaced in the 72nd minute by Gonçalo Ramos.
Forwards –
Ibrahim Mbaye (6.5) – Let’s not forget that he’s been heavily criticized even though he’s only 17. He’s been very sloppy in his game since turning professional, but this season, we can feel a change, a confidence, and we’re finally seeing some of the qualities his coach wants to highlight. Replaced by Lucas Hernandez in the 66th minute.
Senny Mayulu (7) – A goal-scorer, mobile, and interesting in his play with and without the ball, he shows he has the talent to perform for this PSG team. He has limited experience, but enormous confidence. Substituted for Lee Kang-in in the 80th minute.
Bradley Barcola (5) – He has the talent. He has the speed. However, he needs to take the lead in these types of matches and in this configuration with so many players absent. He lacked a bit of character at times. Substituted for Quentin Ndjantou in the 80th minute.
Coach –
Luis Enrique (8) – When we saw the start of the match, we recognized many of the same patterns that the Parisians have played for years. But where Luis Enrique made a huge difference was that instead of getting bogged down in a non-match, his team regained confidence, regained possession of the ball and the direction they needed to take, namely to give their all to win. He managed to turn Barcelona around and regain control of the match. What a coach.
