PARIS, FRANCE - OCTOBER 20: Players of FC Barcelona talk in a huddle before the second half during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD3 match between Paris Saint-Germain and FC Barcelona at Parc des Princes on October 20, 2026 in Paris, France.
Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images
The first defeat for FC Barcelona this season arrives in the UEFA Champions League. Despite their scintillating form, a fixture of poor performances and spontaneous injuries derailed Barça’s chances against a superb PSG side who deserved the win.
A 4-2 loss in France, the only players from Barcelona that managed to get on the scoresheet were Xavi Espart and Lamine Yamal. However, this performance left a lot to be desired and a lot that needs to be improved if Barça want to compete properly in this competition this season.
Here are the player ratings for Barça.
Starting XI
Joan Garcia: 9.5/10
Unreal performance from the Spanish goalkeeper, he made save after save to keep the scoreline even barely respectable. One of his best performances ever for the Catalan giants.
Xavi Espart: 9.0/10
Despite the magnitude of the game, the young Barcelona academy talent rose to the occasion and delivered a top performance. From his defensive actions to the goal that he scored with his own carry, Espart was a delight to watch.
Pau Cubarsi: 7.0/10
His distribution was great but he was rarely tested in direct confrontations by the PSG forwards. However, he possibly could have done better to stop PSG’s opener from finding the back of the net.
Gerard Martin: 6.0/10
Lacked conviction on several occasions and it was clear to see that Barcelona’s lack of quality in defense creates some glaring issues. Moving forward, he needs to sort himself out as soon as possible.
Joao Cancelo: 5.5/10
Barely able to make a difference moving forward and also struggled defensively at times. Completely left his man unmarked for PSG’s fourth goal of the game.
Marc Bernal: 5.5/10
Sluggish in midfield and he genuinely seemed out of place at times. Did as well as he could defensively but it was clear to see the difference in quality with him on the field and when Rodri came on.
Pedri: 8.5/10
Simply outstanding in midfield, and was running the show for Barça almost single-handedly for much of the game. His composure, trickery, and the chances that he created were all mesmerising to watch.
Lamine Yamal: 7.5/10
Barely involved for much of the game and whenever he got the ball he ended up making all the wrong decisions. However, he did pull a goal back for Barça in the second half with a moment of magic.
Dani Olmo: N/A
Had to be taken off early in the first half due to an injury.
Anthony Gordon: 5.5/10
Arguably his worst performance yet for Barcelona by quite some distance. Unable to impose himself, his decision-making was lacklustre, and even his intensity was not quite where he needs to be.
Raphinha: 6.5/10
Put in a lot of intensity and workrate against the PSG backline but almost always seemed to be on his own in that regard. Needed more support but he definitely could have done certain things better himself as well.
Substitutes:
Fermin Lopez: 7.5/10
Created the first goal out of nothing with a clever turn and a great through ball to Xavi Espart.
Gavi: 7.0/10
Looked sharp on the pitch and was particularly effective in tight spaces.
Karim Adeyemi: 6.0/10
His pace clearly seemed to give PSG some issues and he definitely made them struggle more than Anthony Gordon did out wide. However, he simply refused to pass to Lamine Yamal in the last sequence of the game and that was a really poor decision.
Rodri: 7.0/10
Unable to start this game but his quality in terms of duels and passing was quite evident once he came on during the second half.
Alejandro Balde: N/A
Not enough time or influence to warrant a rating.
SEVILLE, SPAIN - OCTOBER 17: Rodri of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27 match between Real Betis Balompie and FC Barcelona at Estadio La Cartuja on October 17, 2026 in Seville, Spain.
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