Champions League striker: Two PSG forwards ruled out

A triple injury shock hit the Champions League powerhouse when Ousmane Dembele and another star from Paris Saint‑Germain as well as Dani Olmo from Barcelona had to leave the field already in the first half. Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele saw his involvement abruptly end after a sprint, while both teams were already battling injury problems.

Early exits at PSG

Dembele had to be substituted after 19 minutes, with the score at 0‑0, due to an injury to his left thigh; he had strained the muscle during a running duel without direct contact with an opponent. According to a French report he left the field in the 20th minute and was replaced by former Barca striker Ferran Torres. This season the 29‑year‑old had already scored four goals and provided six assists in ten league matches and had collected six scorer points in two Champions League games, including a standout performance in the 4‑2 victory over Manchester City. Coach Luis Enrique brought on Torres for Dembele, who missed a big chance in the 25th minute after a headed pass from Joao Neves.

Dembele had previously scored in both Champions League encounters against his former club in the 2023‑2024 quarter‑finals, underscoring his importance for the team. The French press often describes the duel as Les Klassiker.

Barcelona fights with its own injuries

Dani Olmo, 28, injured himself in a midfield duel with Vitinha and had to leave the field before halftime; he was replaced by Fermín López in the 27th minute, as another report confirms. Hansi Flick decided on the substitution, even though Barcelona was already dealing with a series of injuries.

PSG match postponed, causing stars to miss Ballon d’Or ceremony

Almost a third injury‑related substitution occurred when PSG defender Willian Pacho, after a clash with López, was unfortunately struck on the forehead by his shoe; Ilya Zabarnyi was already on standby, but Pacho was able to continue playing.

Match progression and further exits

In the first ten minutes PSG had three good chances, while Barcelona forward Anthony Gordon narrowly missed the goal after a through ball from Lamine Yamal. In the 38th minute Desire Doué gave the hosts the lead by scoring a right‑footed shot from 17 metres in the left, lower corner after winning the ball in the Barca half.

The equaliser came from Xavi Espart in the 55th minute, before PSG left‑winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia suffered an injury and left the field assisted by two staff members. The €50‑million newcomer Maghnes Akliouche replaced him in the 59th minute.

Ballon d'Or clash forces PSG stars to miss ceremony

Thus the duel ended with several early exits, forcing both teams to continue without their stars.