Dumitrescu and Craioveanu clash over PSG and Barcelona status after Champions League result

Ilie Dumitrescu and Gică Craioveanu engaged in a direct debate on 21 October 2026 regarding the performances of PSG and Barcelona. The discussion followed the UEFA Champions League matchday 3 fixture between the two clubs.

PSG defeated Barcelona with a score of 4-2 in Paris during the third league phase of the competition. The match took place at the Parc des Princes. Doue scored in the 38th minute, Hernandez added a goal in the 72nd minute, Vitinha scored in the 81st minute, and Ruiz completed the scoring in the 86th minute for PSG. Espart scored for Barcelona in the 55th minute, and Yamal added a second goal in the 79th minute.

Ilie Dumitrescu stated that PSG is currently the best team in the world. He noted that PSG leads the Champions League standings with 9 points due to a superior goal difference.

Gică Craioveanu disagreed with this assessment. He argued that Barcelona remains the number one team of the moment despite the loss. Craioveanu pointed out that Barcelona played without midfielder Rodri and injured defender Jules Koundé against PSG.

Barcelona also dealt with other injury issues surrounding the match. Dani Olmo suffered a muscle injury and will be absent for approximately one month. For PSG, Ousmane Dembele and Marquinhos suffered muscle problems and were substituted during the game. Additionally, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia suffered a right knee cruciate ligament rupture, which rules him out until at least the end of the season.

Craioveanu highlighted the upcoming schedule for Barcelona. He noted that the club faces Real Madrid in El Clasico on 25 October 2026. The match is scheduled for Sunday at 22:00 and will be broadcast on Digi Sport 1.

In domestic competition, Barcelona leads La Liga with 27 points after 9 rounds. They sit ahead of Atletico Madrid, who have 22 points, and Real Madrid, who have 21 points.

Other UEFA Champions League matches on matchday 3 included a 2-2 draw between Bayern Munich and Arsenal. Real Madrid defeated RB Leipzig 4-1, securing their third consecutive victory in the competition. Inter Milan, coached by Cristi Chivu, defeated Shakhtar 1-0 despite playing with fewer players from the 68th minute.