10/20/2026 03:33:00
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10/20 03:26 CDT PSG takes on Barcelona in Champions League highlight despite
French protests
PSG takes on Barcelona in Champions League highlight despite French protests
By JAMES ELLINGWORTH
AP Sports Writer
In a test for both teams and the strained French police, Paris Saint-Germain
hosts Barcelona in a Champions League showcase against the backdrop of violent
unrest across France.
PSG and Barcelona head the standings, though Liverpool or even surprising
Stuttgart could end Tuesday on top of the table.
The game, which will need a robust security presence, takes place in a very
different context to when PSG beat Manchester City 4-2 away last week.
What began in France as protests against school conditions has expanded to
include a wide range of other groups and causes. There have been violent
clashes, fires and looting.
An emergency meeting with top government officials on Monday confirmed
PSG-Barcelona and other soccer games in European competitions can go ahead
after the possibility of calling off games and other big events was discussed.
Liverpool could go top with a win over Villarreal if PSG and Barcelona draw, or
on goal difference if Andoni Iraola's team can rout its Spanish opposition.
Stuttgart has won both of its games but Atletico Madrid will be sterner
opposition for the German team.
Man City aims to get back on track after last week's PSG loss when it faces
Greece's AEK Athens, while troubled Napoli seeks a first point against Norway's
Bodo/Glimt.
Also, Roma plays Slovan Bratislava, Borussia Dortmund heads to Azerbaijan to
face Sabah, Porto hosts PSV Eindhoven and Fenerbahce takes on Slavia Prague.
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