Joan Laporta did not hide his desires for a European summit. Guest of CNN this Wednesday, the president of FC Barcelona drew off the past season and formulated a very clear wish: to face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League in this season. A poster that would make supporters like observers salivate, and which did not take place during the 2024-2025 edition.
Satisfied with the liga won by her club and the course to the semi-final of C1, Laporta nevertheless expressed a real regret. “Paris Saint-Germain was doing very well last season, they won the Champions League and Ligue 1, while offering very beautiful football, with a very good coach and very good players”he first praised in this interview with the American channel. Before entrusting: “Unfortunately, we did not have the chance to face. This is a match that the world of football is waiting for. We were the two most competitive and most fit teams. »»
With the arrival of the new format of the Champions League, Joan Laporta hopes that this failed meeting can finally take place. The last confrontation between Barça and PSG dates back to April 2024, in the quarter-final of C1 (6-4 victory of PSG on the two games). “I hope we can face them this year to find out which of the two is the best – while respecting other clubs”said the Catalan president. And to insist: “Anyone who loves football said Barça and PSG were the two teams offering the best football in the world. »»
Verdict at the end of August
LAPORTA did not fail to greet the evolution of the format of the competition. “I congratulate Aleksander Ceferin (President of UEFA) for this novelty which improves competition”he slipped, in reference to the new league phase now in place, supposed to multiply the big posters in the first round.
It will still take a few weeks to find out if this wish will materialize. The draw for the league phase is scheduled for August 28. In the meantime, the two clubs are preparing to launch their official season: Barça will start against Mallorca on August 16 in Liga, while PSG will face Tottenham in UEFA Supercup from August 13.
