Rothen backs PSG against Barcelona and identifies Lamine Yamal as the key threat
Former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Jérôme Rothen expects his old club to have an edge when they meet Barcelona in the Champions League, pointing to PSG’s European experience, home advantage and recent performances as reasons to be confident. But the French side will also need to keep a close watch on Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal, whom Rothen described as the player most capable of shaping the contest.
Speaking on X, in comments reported by RMC, Rothen said PSG possess a special quality in Europe and have players who can raise their level in the Champions League. He believes that experience could matter against a Barcelona team that has impressed with its football this season but will face a demanding test away from home.
Why Rothen sees PSG as favourites
Rothen’s prediction rests on more than reputation. He highlighted PSG’s ability to produce outstanding performances in major European matches and argued that the club’s home crowd could provide an important boost. In high-pressure fixtures, familiarity with the stadium and support from the stands can help a team settle quickly, particularly when the opposition is trying to control possession and dictate the tempo.
He also pointed to PSG’s recent emphatic victory over Manchester City as evidence of what the team can achieve when its players perform at their best. Rothen described the first half of that match as one of the finest PSG have produced during the club’s Qatari ownership—and potentially one of the strongest periods in the team’s history. The performance, in his view, showed that PSG can overwhelm elite opponents when their pressing, movement and attacking quality come together.
That result is relevant to this football clash because Barcelona will likely look to establish their preferred style early. If PSG can disrupt the visitors’ build-up, win the ball in dangerous areas and turn defence into rapid attacks, they may be able to prevent Barcelona from controlling the match. Rothen warned that if PSG continue at the level they have shown recently, the Spanish side could find it difficult to impose its game.
Barcelona’s form still demands respect
Rothen’s confidence in PSG does not mean Barcelona should be dismissed. He acknowledged that the Catalan club have been playing superbly since the beginning of the season. Their technical quality, quick combinations and ability to move the ball through tight spaces can trouble even the most organised opponents.
Barcelona’s challenge will be to remain composed if PSG apply pressure from the opening minutes. The visitors may need to vary their approach—mixing patient possession with quicker forward passes—to avoid becoming predictable. They will also have to protect the spaces left behind when their full-backs move forward, as PSG’s pace in transition could make those areas especially vulnerable.
For PSG, the tactical balance will be just as important. Attacking aggressively can create opportunities, but leaving too much room for Barcelona’s forwards could turn the match into an open exchange. Rothen expects goals, suggesting that the attacking talent on both sides could make this a lively encounter rather than a cautious chess match.
Lamine Yamal could hold the key
Despite favouring PSG, Rothen singled out Lamine Yamal as the Barcelona player who must be watched most closely. The young forward has the ability to change a match with his close control, acceleration and willingness to take on defenders. When he receives the ball in space, he can drive at the back line, draw multiple opponents towards him and create openings for teammates.
Containing Yamal will require more than assigning one defender to follow him. PSG may need to limit the supply reaching him, close down his preferred routes into the penalty area and provide support whenever he faces a one-on-one situation. If he is allowed time and room to turn, Barcelona could use his movement to stretch PSG’s defensive shape and create chances from wide areas.
Rothen’s description of Yamal as “the man who must be watched tonight” reflects the growing influence of the Barcelona star. He also cautioned against expecting young players to be intimidated by the occasion. In Rothen’s view, top-level performers prepare differently for major matches and are unlikely to be overawed by the scale of the fixture.
A high-stakes test of style and composure
The central question is whether PSG can turn their home advantage and European confidence into control of the game—or whether Barcelona’s possession and individual quality will take over. The opening phase could be decisive. An early PSG goal would energise the home crowd and force Barcelona to take greater risks, while a strong start from the visitors could quieten the stadium and put pressure on the hosts.
Set pieces, defensive concentration and decision-making in transition may also prove crucial. In a match featuring elite attackers, a small lapse can quickly become a clear scoring opportunity. Both teams will need to be sharp when defending second balls and disciplined when pushing numbers forward.
Rothen’s forecast is clear: he believes PSG have the tools to make life difficult for Barcelona and expects an entertaining match with plenty of attacking action. Yet his warning about Yamal underlines the uncertainty behind any prediction. If PSG fail to contain the young forward, Barcelona could turn the contest in their favour. The clash therefore offers a compelling contrast between PSG’s European ambition and home strength, and Barcelona’s form, technical identity and emerging star power.
