Barcelona set Champions League record with four teenage starters
All four players were 19, but Barcelona trailed holders Paris Saint-Germain at halftime after a long-range goal from Desire Doue.
Barcelona became the first side to field four teenagers against the defending Champions League winners, according to OptaJoe, when Hansi Flick named his lineup to face Paris Saint-Germain on October 20.
Marc Bernal, Pau Cubarsi, Xavi Espart and Lamine Yamal, each aged 19, all started in Paris. Bernal took a midfield place after Flick opted to leave Rodri out of the starting lineup to rest him.
PSG held a halftime advantage through Desire Doue, whose strike from distance broke the deadlock. Barcelona entered the match having won 11 consecutive games across all competitions, including both of their opening fixtures in the 2026-27 Champions League league stage.
Injuries disrupted both sides before the break. PSG lost Ousmane Dembele, while Dani Olmo also had to come off for Barcelona.
Barcelona also face Real Madrid in La Liga with several defenders unavailable. Andreas Christensen, Jules Kounde and Eric Garcia were sidelined by injuries, although Gerard Martin recovered sufficiently to start against PSG. Frenkie de Jong had recently returned from injury, adding another midfield option for Flick.
