Barcelona evoked memories of that 6-1 victory against PSG, though the Parisian club has had the upper hand in recent history.

The historic ‘Remontada’ of 2017 remains a proud memory for Barcelona. However, in recent Champions League encounters, PSG has repeatedly left the Catalan side disappointed. Ahead of their latest clash, Barcelona has brought back memories of that unforgettable night.

Some nights never fade. While the calendar turns, players and coaches come and go, and the balance of power between teams shifts, certain moments in football history remain eternally vivid. For Barcelona, ​​March 8, 2017, is one such night—the day they scripted an incredible comeback by defeating Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) 6–1.

As they prepare to face PSG once again in the Champions League, Barcelona has revisited that memory. In an article on their official website detailing the history between the two clubs, the historic ‘Remontada’ is given special prominence.

Yet, while celebrating past glories, Barcelona has not shied away from the uncomfortable reality of more recent encounters; in their latest meetings, it is PSG that has more often emerged victorious.

The night Barcelona made the impossible possible

In the first leg of the 2016–17 Champions League Round of 16, Barcelona suffered a 4–0 defeat to PSG in Paris. Heading into the return leg, many assumed the Catalan club was on the verge of elimination from Europe’s premier competition.

Never before had a team managed to overturn a four-goal deficit in the Champions League knockout stages to advance to the next round. But at the Camp Nou that night, Barcelona defied all expectations.

Even as the match neared its conclusion, they still required three more goals to progress. Then, a brace from Neymar, followed by an incredible last-gasp goal from Sergi Roberto in stoppage time, secured a 6–1 victory for Barcelona. The Catalans advanced to the quarter-finals with a 6-5 aggregate victory. That match, etched in memory by the jubilant celebrations of fans at the Camp Nou, stands as one of the greatest comebacks in the history of the Champions League.

PSG holds the upper hand in recent encounters.

However, football is not defined solely by past glories; the protagonists of the story change with time.

As noted on Barcelona’s official website, PSG emerged victorious in both of their recent Champions League knockout-stage encounters against the Catalan side—in the 2020-21 and 2023-24 seasons.

In the 2020-21 Round of 16, the Parisian side defeated Barcelona 4-1 in the first leg. A 1-1 draw in the return leg meant Barcelona were eliminated from the competition, losing 5-2 on aggregate.

The two teams met again in the 2023-24 quarter-finals. Barcelona offered a glimmer of hope by winning the first leg 3-2 in Paris, but they were defeated 4-1 on their home turf in the return leg. PSG advanced to the semi-finals with a 6-4 aggregate win.

Last season, the Parisian club also secured a 2-1 victory away at Barcelona. Consequently, while the historic 2017 win remains a source of pride for Barcelona fans, recent results have been a cause for concern for the Catalans.

Equal points, but PSG leads on goal difference.

This upcoming clash is not just about settling old scores; it is also about strengthening their respective positions in the Champions League league phase. After two matches, both Barcelona and PSG have 6 points and an identical goal difference of +7. However, PSG sits higher in the standings, having scored more goals.

In their first two matches, PSG defeated Slovan Bratislava 6-1 and Manchester City 4-2. Meanwhile, Barcelona has secured a full six points by defeating Feyenoord 5-1 and Galatasaray 4-1.

With both teams in excellent form, an intense contest is expected when they face each other.

Barcelona hit by injuries; PSG also facing setbacks

Barcelona is grappling with injury concerns ahead of the match. Jules Koundé and Eric García sustained injuries during the game against Real Betis. They join Andreas Christensen and Roony Bardghji—who were already sidelined due to injuries—on the list of unavailable players.

PSG, too, will not be at full strength. Nuno Mendes and young goalkeeper Alessandro Longoni are set to miss the match for the French champions due to injuries.

Between the memories of historic comebacks, PSG’s recent dominance in head-to-head encounters, and the winning momentum both sides are carrying, anticipation for this match is at its peak. Will Barcelona be able to recapture a glimpse of its former glory, or will PSG maintain its recent supremacy? The answer will unfold on the pitch.