Barcelona president challenges PSG ahead of Champions League clash: “Let’s see who’s better”
Joan Laporta praises both clubs’ football and eyes a high-profile Champions League clash under UEFA’s new format.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has fired the first shot ahead of the new Champions League season, expressing his desire for a high-stakes encounter with reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain.
Speaking to CNN, Laporta praised the new Champions League format and made a direct reference to PSG.
“The new Champions League system improves the level of competition. We hope to face PSG this season to find out who is better,” said the Barcelona president.
Laporta: “Barça and PSG, the Best Football in the World”
Laporta didn’t shy away from lauding both teams, claiming they showcased the highest level of football in Europe last season.
“Everyone who liked football last season said that Barça and Paris Saint-Germain were the teams that offered the best football in the world,” he emphasized.
His comments add spice to a potential encounter between two of Europe’s elite, especially following PSG’s Champions League triumph in the 2024/25 season.
Champions League Format Changes for 2025
UEFA has confirmed several major format changes to the Champions League, effective from this season. The competition will now use a Swiss-style league phase, replacing the traditional group stage.
Key changes include:
- The top eight teams in the league phase will have home advantage in the round of 16 second leg.
- For the quarterfinals, the top four ranked teams will host the second leg, provided they advance.
- In later stages, home-leg advantage will depend on league rankings if seeded clubs are eliminated early.
These changes aim to reward consistent performance in the initial stages, adding strategic value to every match in the new system.
