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Posted on February 23, 2026 10:00 pm | Updated on February 23, 2026 6:00 pm
When a top manager openly names the opponent he prefers in Champions League, it grabs attention. PSG boss Luis Enrique did exactly that. Speaking ahead of the knockout stages, he prefers to face Chelsea over Barcelona.
Luis Enrique Wants Chelsea In The Champions League
Chelsea are through to the round of 16 after finishing in the top eight of the UCL league phase. A sharp brace from Joao Pedro against Napoli sealed their progress. That win has kept their European dream very much alive.
The draw on 27 February will decide whether they face Newcastle United, Paris Saint-Germain, Monaco or Qarabag. Meanwhile, Newcastle are holding a 6-1 advantage and PSG are leading Monaco 3-2 after the first legs. So, the fixtures are slowly becoming clearer.
In an interview, manager Luis Enrique was asked whether he would rather meet Barcelona or Chelsea if his side advanced in the UCL. He said:
“I’ve been asked whether I’d rather face FC Barcelona or Chelsea F.C and honestly, I think Chelsea would be the better option for us right now.
“Barcelona are playing with a lot of confidence, a lot of rhythm. In the Champions League, you have to be smart. If I can choose, I’d choose Chelsea.”
Barcelona are flying with belief and tempo at the moment and Enrique clearly knows that. He sees the Premier League side as a more manageable test in the round of 16. He sees the west London club just better suited to PSG’s current situation.
It also looks very much like a calculated call. In knockout football, managers look for small advantages. During games like these, form and momentum matters a lot. These things can swing matches in an instant. Enrique seems to believe Barca’s current form could be more dangerous than Chelsea. This comes as they are still adjusting under Liam Rosenior. That honesty from the Spaniard has turned up the heat before the draw has even taken place.
Chelsea’s Last Blow Still Hurts PSG
The last time Chelsea met PSG, it ended in a painful defeat for the French champions. The stage was the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Final. The result was huge for the English side.
Under former boss Enzo Maresca, they showed a ruthless 3-0 performance. Cole Palmer struck twice in an incredible first-half spell. Joao Pedro added another before the break. The contest was effectively over by halftime.
PSG’s frustration boiled over late on as they finished with ten men. Enrique himself later faced scrutiny after a heated post-match confrontation with Pedro. It was a chaotic end to a one-sided night.
That defeat has not been forgotten. Big games leave scars and that too especially in finals. For the Ligue 1 side, it was more than just a loss. It was a statement from Chelsea on a global stage.
So when Enrique says he would choose Chelsea, there is more to it. A good result in the Champions League would taste sweeter after that heavy blow in the summer.
Big Stakes Ahead Of The UCL Draw
Now everything hangs on the upcoming UCL draw. Chelsea are in transition, blending youth with experience under Rosenior. There have been signs of quality, but also moments of inconsistency. That said, this mix of form makes them unpredictable.
Meanwhile, PSG are still fighting to secure their place. Newcastle hold a big 6-1 lead in their tie, while PSG’s narrow 3-2 advantage over Monaco keeps things tense. Given that, nothing is sealed as of yet.
If last year’s UCL title holders advance, they might face Chelsea. Enrique is looking to balance things out after a painful defeat. On the other hand, the English club is looking to prove their European form remains strong.
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