Paris Saint-Germain and Atletico Madrid are set for a pivotal Champions League encounter at the Parc des Princes this Wednesday, with both clubs striving to meet European expectations.
Also Read: Ligue 1 Live! Paris Saint-Germain vs Lens Players Rating (2nd November, 2024)
This match will mark the first time these two sides face off, but their managers, Luis Enrique and Diego Simeone, are no strangers. Enrique leads their head-to-head record with nine victories to Simeone’s three in 14 previous meetings.
Match Preview
PSG’s Champions League journey started with a narrow 1-0 win against newcomers Girona but faltered in subsequent matches, losing 2-0 to Arsenal and managing only a 1-1 draw against PSV Eindhoven. A significant trend for PSG is their slow starts: 12 of their last 14 Champions League goals have come in the second half. This sluggish opening pace is something Enrique will look to address, as his Champions League record since arriving in Paris includes just six wins from 15 games—a concerning 40% win rate.
Domestically, however, PSG remains dominant. The Parisians are unbeaten in Ligue 1 this season, cemented by a recent 1-0 win over Lens courtesy of an early strike from Ousmane Dembele. Their overall league record boasts only one loss in 2024, making Parc des Princes a fortress for visiting teams.
Atletico Madrid’s Challenges
For Atletico Madrid, this match comes at a crucial time as Simeone’s side has shown inconsistency. After starting their Champions League campaign with a 2-1 win over Leipzig, Atleti suffered a 4-0 hammering at the hands of Benfica and then fell 3-1 to Lille. This leaves them at risk of their first-ever sequence of three straight losses in the competition. Away from home, their Champions League struggles are glaring: just one win in their last 10 outings, with seven defeats among those.
Domestically, Atleti’s form has been more promising. They secured a 2-0 victory over Las Palmas on Sunday, where Giuliano Simeone and Alexander Sorloth found the net, boosting the club to third in La Liga. Despite these successes, the pressure to secure at least a playoff spot in the top 24 teams is intensifying, with Atletico currently just outside that threshold on goal difference.
Team News
Luis Enrique made significant lineup changes over the weekend, opting for Matvei Safonov in goal over Gianluigi Donnarumma and reintroducing Marco Asensio, shifting Ousmane Dembele back to his preferred position on the right wing. Bradley Barcola, who has been prolific in Ligue 1, is expected to feature, but PSG will continue to miss key players. Goncalo Ramos (ankle), Presnel Kimpembe (Achilles), and Lucas Hernandez (ACL) remain sidelined.
Atleti, meanwhile, face selection dilemmas of their own. Giuliano Simeone may keep his place alongside Griezmann and Sorloth up front, while Julian Alvarez, known for contributing to 13 goals in 20 Champions League matches, is expected to play a pivotal role. However, Atleti will be without Robin Le Normand, Marcos Llorente, and Cesar Azpilicueta due to injuries, while Thomas Lemar remains doubtful.
Predicted Lineups
PSG: Safonov; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Zaire-Emery, Vitinha, Neves; Dembele, Asensio, Barcola
Atletico Madrid: Oblak; Molina, Witsel, Gimenez, Reinildo; De Paul, Koke, Barrios, Lino; Alvarez, Griezmann
Prediction
In a showdown between PSG’s youthful flair and Atletico’s battle-hardened experience, the French side’s recent home dominance may prove decisive. Despite their European setbacks, PSG’s attacking edge and home advantage could tilt the game in their favor, especially against an Atletico side that struggles away from Madrid.
