PSG Starts Lucas Hernandez as Barcelona Benches Rodri

Paris Saint-Germain will rely on Lucas Hernandez at left back against Barcelona in their Champions League league-phase match on Tuesday, October 20, after Nuno Mendes was ruled out. Barcelona also made a significant late adjustment, placing Rodri on the bench and assigning Marc Bernal the defensive midfield role for the 9 p.m. kickoff. According to Eurosport France, PSG coach Luis Enrique selected Hernandez to cover the left flank, while Warren Zaïre-Emery, who had been considered for the position, will start among the substitutes.

The lineup changes affect both teams ahead of their meeting in Paris. PSG's starting midfield features Joao Neves, Vitinha, and Fabian Ruiz. Neves earned the starting position ahead of Zaïre-Emery, while the French club will deploy Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Ousmane Dembélé, and Désiré Doué as its attacking trio.

Maghnès Akliouche will not make a fourth consecutive start, according to Eurosport France's lineup report. The selected front three represents PSG's planned attacking configuration for the encounter.

Barcelona must adjust its midfield after Rodri experienced a physical problem that forced him to begin the match on the bench. Bernal will operate in front of the defense, while Dani Olmo has been chosen ahead of Fermin Lopez in a more advanced midfield position. Raphinha, who returned from injury against Betis, is included in the starting lineup and will wear the captain's armband. Barcelona will also field Xavi Espart at right back because Eric Garcia and Jules Kounde are unavailable for that position, while Joao Cancelo retains his place on the left.

Barcelona's attacking lineup includes Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Gordon. The team will pair that forward line with a midfield featuring Olmo, Bernal, and Pedri, according to the published starting XI. PSG's confirmed starting lineup is Safonov; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, and Lucas Hernandez; Joao Neves, Vitinha, and Fabian Ruiz; Doué, Dembélé, and Kvaratskhelia. Marquinhos will captain the French side.

Barcelona's starting XI is Joan Garcia; Xavi Espart, Cubarsi, Martin, and Cancelo; Olmo, Bernal, and Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Gordon. Raphinha will captain the Spanish club.