In a test for both clubs and France’s strained police force, Paris Saint-Germain hosts Barcelona in a marquee Champions League fixture set against a backdrop of violent unrest across the country.
PSG and Barcelona lead the standings, though Liverpool or even surprise package Stuttgart could claim the top spot by the end of Tuesday’s matches.
The match, requiring a substantial security deployment, unfolds in a markedly different context than last week, when PSG defeated Manchester City 4-2 on the road.
What began in France as demonstrations over school conditions has broadened to encompass a wide array of groups and causes. The country has seen violent clashes, fires, and looting.
An emergency meeting with senior government officials on Monday confirmed that the PSG-Barcelona fixture, along with other European soccer matches, will proceed. Authorities had considered postponing games and other major events.
Liverpool could move to the top with a win over Villarreal if PSG and Barcelona draw, or via goal difference if Andoni Iraola’s side overwhelms its Spanish opponents. Stuttgart has won both of its matches, but Atletico Madrid will present a sterner test for the German team.
Manchester City looks to bounce back from last week’s loss to PSG when it takes on AEK Athens of Greece, while Napoli seeks its first point against Norway’s Bodø/Glimt.
Additional fixtures see Roma face Slovan Bratislava, Borussia Dortmund travel to Azerbaijan to play Sabah, Porto host PSV Eindhoven, and Fenerbahce take on Slavia Prague.
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