Rabat – Barcelona midfielder Pedri has predicted an intense battle in midfield when his side face Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, stressing that controlling possession could determine the outcome.
Speaking during Monday’s pre-match press conference, the Spanish international said both teams possess strong midfield units but tend to struggle when they do not have the ball.
“I expect a good battle. Both midfields struggle more without the ball than with it, and whoever has possession tomorrow will have a better chance of winning the match,” Pedri said.
The 23-year-old expressed confidence in Barcelona’s current form, saying the team hopes to maintain its positive momentum against the reigning European champions.
“We are in good form and feeling very confident,” he added.
Pedri expects midfield to decide the match
The encounter at the Parc des Princes will bring together two technically strong midfields, with Barcelona’s Pedri, Rodri and Fermin Lopez expected to face PSG’s Vitinha, Joao Neves and Fabian Ruiz.
Pedri praised Vitinha’s ability to dictate play, describing the Portuguese international as one of the best midfielders in the world when it comes to creating opportunities.
The Barcelona midfielder also spoke positively about playing alongside Rodri, who joined the Catalan club during the summer transfer window.
He explained that Rodri’s presence helps Barcelona maintain balance in midfield while allowing him greater freedom to contribute offensively.
Both teams enter the third round of the Champions League league phase with strong European records this season, making the encounter an early test of their ambitions in the competition.
‘It is not a final yet’
Asked whether Tuesday’s meeting could be considered an early Champions League final, Pedri rejected that description while acknowledging the quality of the opposition.
“We see it as a very difficult match against a complicated opponent. We cannot consider it a final yet because there is still a long way to go before the final,” he explained.
However, the midfielder said facing a team of PSG’s quality would provide Barcelona with a clearer understanding of their current level among Europe’s leading clubs.
“It is a very good match to see where we stand in Europe,” he added.
Barcelona travel to Paris following a convincing 5-2 victory over Real Betis in LaLiga on Saturday, maintaining their unbeaten start to the season under Hansi Flick.
The Catalan side will then turn their attention to another major fixture, facing rivals Real Madrid in El Clasico on October 25.
Tuesday’s Champions League encounter will kick off at 19:00 GMT at the Parc des Princes in Paris.
