UEFA.com works better on other browsers
For the best possible experience, we recommend using Chrome, Firefox or Microsoft Edge.

Preview: Barcelona v Paris

FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain's attacking riches carry fearsome reputations but, as they vie for top spot in Group F, both coaches are stating the case for the defence.

Barcelona coach Luis Enrique is wary of Zlatan Ibrahimović
Barcelona coach Luis Enrique is wary of Zlatan Ibrahimović ©AFP/Getty Images

Luis Enrique says Paris are "at the same level as the top European clubs"
Barcelona have not failed to win their UEFA Champions League group since 2006/07
Paris were 3-2 victors when the teams met in the French capital on matchday two
Andrés Iniesta set to make his 100th appearance in the tournament
Paris have not lost in any competition this season

Permutations: Barcelona (12pts) v Paris (13)
Paris are through and will win the group with a draw.
Barcelona are through and will win the group with a victory.

Possible lineups
Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Adriano, Piqué, Mathieu, Jordi Alba; Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta; Suárez, Messi, Neymar.
• Out: Vermaelen (hamstring), Rafinha (suspended), Alves (suspended)

Paris: Sirigu, Van der Wiel, Thiago Silva, David Luiz, Maxwell; Verratti, Motta, Matuidi; Pastore, Ibrahimović, Cavani.
• Out: Bahebeck (thigh)

Luis Enrique, Barcelona coach
Our aim is clear – we want to win and PSG want the same. They are one of the contenders to win the competition and it'll be a demanding match, defensively speaking, for us. I would prefer to finish first in the group to gain a slight advantage in the next round.

PSG beat us without [Zlatan] Ibrahimović. Their squad is strong enough not to depend on any particular player, but with Zlatan in their squad they are even more dangerous. We know our mistakes in Paris cost us dearly so we have to try not to do the same.

Ten of the best: Messi Champions League goals

Ibrahimović is a top player. If he's at his best he's difficult to stop. If we can defend as a block, fewer balls will reach Ibra. He can decide a match at any given moment, which is why he's a top player. It helps that some of the players here were with him at Barcelona a few years back. It's an advantage but football changes constantly. We will pay special attention to Ibra and also [Edinson] Cavani.

PSG are at the same level as the top European clubs, one of the favourites for the trophy. They are already proving what they can do in their league.

Laurent Blanc, Paris coach
The quality of our play is important but tomorrow we are up against one of the best teams in Europe. In the first leg we did well but they kept us pegged back in the second half. Barcelona are going to have 70% possession; when we have the ball we have to score.

We are both more relaxed because we're through but we know what awaits us. We will try to defend well, play very much together and avoid problems. When we have the ball we have to make the most of it. All opponents face Barcelona on the defensive. I won't lie and say we have come here to dominate possession.

Zlatan: My Champions League journey

It's a match for prestige but there is a difference between finishing first and second in the group. It'll be a difficult game. We are aware that Barcelona have several Champions League titles to their name so we have to win games like these.

We know the advantage finishing top brings. You avoid certain opponents and all these details count in the long run. I have told my players to be ambitious and aggressive, to put Barcelona in a tight spot. We won't be fielding ten defenders. We simply have to defend. We will get chances to score though.

Weekend results 
Barcelona 5-1 RCD Espanyol (Messi 45 50 81, Piqué 53, Pedro 77; Sergio García 13) 
Paris 2-1 FC Nantes (Ibrahimović 34 48; Bedoya 8) 

Form guide (all competitions)
Barcelona: WWWWWW
Paris: WDWWWW

Match facts
• When was the last time Barcelona failed to win their group? Find out in our match background

Selected for you