This Tuesday at 9:00 PM (CET), Paris Saint-Germain (1st) will face FC Barcelona (2nd) at the Parc des Princes, as part of the third matchday of the 2026-2027 Champions League. In a press conference, Barça midfielder Pedri (23) spoke about the upcoming encounter and their Parisian opponents.
Pedri: “When someone beats you and knocks you out, you want to defeat them in the next edition.”
How do you see the match playing out?
“I imagine a great battle in the midfield. Both midfields struggle when they don’t have the ball, so whoever manages to keep possession tomorrow will likely tip the match in their favor. We’re in good form and feeling very confident.”
Is this an early final?
“We see it as a very difficult match against a very tough opponent. It’s not a final yet—there’s a long way to go before reaching a final. But it’s a great opponent to test ourselves against.”
Is this a chance for revenge after previous eliminations?
“When someone beats you and knocks you out, you want to defeat them in the next edition. They are the best team we could possibly face. I’m going to make sure I enjoy myself, and I hope everyone watching enjoys the match too.”
Pedri isn’t calling this an “early final” in October, but he certainly isn’t coming to the Parc des Princes just to take in the scenery. The desire for revenge is clear, and he has a specific plan to achieve it: deny Paris the ball. For PSG, the challenge will be as much about winning back possession as it is about making it difficult for Barcelona to reclaim it. Breaking through the press, providing options for the player on the ball, and avoiding turnovers that would immediately restore the opponent’s confidence—these are the elements of the battle his comments suggest. Barcelona’s motivation adds spice to the encounter; above all, they will need to withstand the pressure from Paris.
Pedri: “This consistency is what has allowed him to reach a Ballon d’Or level.”
Dembélé?
“What impresses me most about his development? He’s a player who has always impressed me; what he did in training was extraordinary. He’s a player who makes a difference—he really blossomed here. This consistency is what has allowed him to reach a Ballon d’Or level. He’s a world-class player, and on top of that, he’s a very good friend.”
Regarding Dembélé, Pedri distinguishes between the talent he witnessed in training and the consistency he now recognizes in him at Paris. This is the most compelling aspect of his tribute: individual moments of brilliance take on a whole new dimension when they are produced consistently. In a match where Barça will look to control the ball, a player capable of winning one-on-one duels can completely disrupt the opposition’s game plan. Friendship will have to wait until the final whistle; Pedri knows all too well what his former teammate is capable of doing to his side.
Pedri: “He is one of the best—if not the best.”
Vitinha?
“Vitinha is a truly special player. He is one of the best—if not the best—when it comes to creating play and maintaining possession. He brings so much to Paris Saint-Germain when he’s on the ball, and when he’s not there, his absence is really felt. I love facing players like him.”
This praise ties directly into the tactical battle mentioned earlier in his comments. If Barcelona wants to make Paris do the running, preventing Vitinha from keeping the play flowing seems like a logical objective. For the Parisians, the key will be providing him with passing options; while the Portuguese midfielder can help relieve pressure, the fluidity of the ball movement also depends on the movement of those around him. Pedri clearly relishes the prospect of this duel. It is up to PSG to ensure that this pleasure lasts for a shorter duration than the Parisian spells of possession.
