On Tuesday, during the third matchday of the 2026-2027 Champions League, Paris Saint-Germain (1st) will face FC Barcelona (2nd) at the Parc des Princes (kick-off at 9 p.m., CET). On the eve of this encounter, PSG midfielder Vitinha (26) answered several questions during a press conference.
Vitinha: “We’re expecting a very interesting match.”
Are you in a good run of form following your recent goals?
It’s a good period, yes—on an individual level, at least. But it’s not just about the goals. I’m in a good place, and I hope to be in good form tomorrow as well.
Is this an “early” final?
It’s too soon for that. It’s only October. We know how quickly things can change over the course of a season; the reality in March might look very different. Still, it’s a massive match—the kind we’re really looking forward to—featuring some of the best teams in Europe, much like a game against Bayern. We’re expecting a very interesting encounter, and we can’t wait to play it.
How do you assess Kvaratskhelia’s start to the season, and how do you explain a dip in form, especially given that he didn’t play in the World Cup?
There’s no real explanation. Every player goes through ups and downs. We try to be as consistent as possible—to avoid any prolonged slumps. As the coach often says, that’s just part of a season. We hope everyone will be at their best tomorrow.
Vitinha: “He’s one of the best players in the world; what he does is incredible.”
Are you afraid of Lamine Yamal?
No, I wouldn’t say “afraid” (smiles). He’s one of the best players in the world—what he does is incredible. It’s exciting to play against him, but it’s not just about him. He’s special, but to focus solely on him would be unfair to the rest of the team. Above all, we’re facing a great side with some exceptional individual talents.
The most important matches usually come in the spring, but is there something special at stake tomorrow? Does it give you a particular thrill?
Much like a match against City, this is a big game—the kind you want to be involved in, the kind that’s truly enjoyable to play. Even if it’s not decisive, there are still 3 points to be won. We’re looking forward to it; we’re eager. We want to show what level we’re at and see what level Barça is at.
Vitinha: “We’ll see what the best approach is for taking on Barça.”
Facing one of the best midfields in the world—will your role change? Will you take more risks?
We’ll see what the best approach is for taking on Barça. They have some extraordinary players—I really like them. But I’m not going to reveal the best way to break their press. We did that very well against City, who are at a similar level. Sometimes it’s about playing deeper, sometimes higher, or using rotations… We’ll see.
Vitinha: “This competition is very healthy and positive for everyone.”
Neves is in less-than-peak form at the moment; what is your role in helping him?
It’s a bit like the situation with Kvaratskhelia—sometimes you’re in better form, sometimes worse. I’m not saying that’s the case here, but people start talking the moment a player isn’t in the starting lineup. That’s normal; that’s what competition is. We have a lot of good players, especially following the summer signings. The coach has stated that both Zaïre-Emery and Neves are starters. Everyone is ready. This competition is very healthy and positive for everyone; it keeps us sharp and pushes us to perform at our absolute best.
Dembélé is in great form—to what extent has he become a leader in these types of matches?
He has been a leader for a while now. In these big games, he has always stepped up. What he brings to the team is unique; hopefully, he’ll deliver again tomorrow, providing some thrills and wonderful moments. We all know what he’s capable of. I hope he’ll be at a high level tomorrow, too.
Is Barça’s midfield the best in the world?
It will be very interesting to see who manages to dominate the midfield tomorrow and who gains more control over the match—if that’s even possible, given that both teams will want to apply pressure and dictate play. We’ll see what happens; it’s going to be a very interesting, hard-fought match.
Vitinha: “I feel different—this is my fifth year.”
In what area have you improved the most at PSG? And, beyond the trophies, what are you most proud of?
I feel different—this is my fifth year. There are still things I’m missing; the coach tells me there are many aspects I need to improve. It’s been a wonderful journey, though a challenging one as well. I couldn’t single out just one aspect. It’s been a great journey—one I’m very happy to be on—and it’s not over yet. This is my fifth year, and I hope things continue this way, with significant team trophies.
Should the Ballon d’Or go to a PSG player?
I’ve already said this in a press conference: I think it would be more fitting for a PSG player to win it, given our Champions League run. But there are some very good players out there—Mbappé, Yamal, Olise… It’s going to be a tough contest.
Vitinha: “It might get a bit wild”
How do you approach a match against a Barça side that’s in such great form? What will be the key to the game?
I can’t say for sure how it will unfold, but I’d compare it to the Bayern match. Both teams want the ball, but there’s only one ball to go around. It’s going to be difficult (smiles). It might get a bit wild, with lots of pressing and open space. As the game goes on, the tempo might drop—we’ll see which team can take advantage of that.
Vitinha: “Competition is one of the keys”
How does PSG manage to stay at the very top?
One of the keys is competition—when the coach pushes you to do more, never letting you settle into a comfort zone. You have to give your absolute best, or else you might find yourself out of the side. It’s tough for any team to stay at the top; we’ve seen that before. What we’ve managed to achieve is no small feat. I’d say we’re in our fourth year now—reaching the semi-finals was a major achievement, and it was just bad luck that we didn’t make it to the final. It comes down to the high standards set by the coach and the internal competition.
