The promise of the new UEFA Champions League format, now in its second season, was that high-caliber matches would be scattered around the schedule from the get-go. Wednesday's clash between Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, then, will be a prime example of the theory in action as the title contenders face off on Matchday 2 of the league phase in a game that will serve as an early test of each side's credentials to win the whole thing.

In accordance with the occasion, the pre-match chatter has been one of mutual respect. Barcelona manager Hansi Flick described PSG as "the best team in the world," the French side just a few months removed from their historic treble and a trip to the Club World Cup final. PSG's Luis Enrique , meanwhile, reflected on his own connection to Barcelona –

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