Barcelona left Istanbul with the Champions League’s provisional first place, their two-match return placing Hansi Flick’s side above the early leaders as the second round continues on Wednesday.
The Catalans had opened with a 5-1 win over Feyenoord, a result that initially left them third on goal difference behind Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich. Their overall record now stands at nine goals scored and two conceded, giving Barça a +7 margin at the summit of the league-phase table.
Quick facts
- Barcelona have six points and a +7 goal difference after two Champions League matches.
- Sporting CP and Arsenal are the only other teams currently on six points.
- Bayern Munich have four points after a 3-3 draw away to Norway’s Viking Stavanger.
- Atlético Madrid beat Manchester United 2-0, while Villarreal defeated Napoli 3-1.
- Inter remain without a point after a 4-3 loss to Club Brugge.
Wednesday’s closing fixtures can still reshape the top of the standings. Manchester City host reigning champions PSG at the Etihad at 21:00, with each side chasing a second victory that would bring them level with Barcelona on points.
Real Madrid can reach the same mark with a win in Rome at 21:00. Betis face Porto at La Cartuja at the same time, while Liverpool travel to Austria to meet LASK Linz in the earlier 18:45 kick-off.
Bayern’s draw in Stavanger prevented them from maintaining a perfect beginning. PSG had held the better early goal difference, along with Bayern at +5, but Barcelona’s stronger aggregate margin has changed the picture before the remaining games are played.
The start is a notable one for Flick’s team. It is the first time in three seasons under the league-phase format that Barcelona have won their opening two European fixtures.
In 2024-25, Barça began with a 2-1 defeat in Monaco. Last season, their first setback arrived in the second round, when PSG won 2-1.
That makes next Tuesday’s visit to Paris, scheduled for 21:00, an immediate test of Barcelona’s early position against the current European champions. Before crossing France, Flick’s side travel to Betis on Saturday at 18:30, seeking an unprecedented nine points from their first three Liga matches.
