UEFA Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain begin their title defence at home against Atalanta, in what promises to be an intriguing clash between two of Europe’s most dynamic attacking sides, Softfootball reports.
PSG enter the competition for a 14th consecutive season, with expectations high after lifting the trophy for the first time last year. The Parisians have made a habit of starting strongly in Europe, going unbeaten in 11 of their last 13 opening league phase matches.
Having already added the UEFA Super Cup this season, boss Luis Enrique will expect his side to breeze into the knockout rounds once again. His pedigree in Europe backs that up, with an impressive win ratio across his UCL managerial career
Atalanta, meanwhile, arrive with their own European credentials after winning the UEFA Europa League in 2024. Their league phase campaign last term even saw them finish two points and six spots above PSG before being knocked out in the playoff round.
Now under new coach Ivan Jurić, who takes charge of his first Champions League match, La Dea will be out to prove they can compete with Europe’s very best. They travel with confidence too, unbeaten in their last eight group/league phase away fixtures .
Team News
This will only be the second ever meeting between the sides, with PSG edging Atalanta in dramatic fashion in the 2019/20 UCL quarter-finals. The Italians have otherwise enjoyed a solid record against French opposition , while PSG boast just one defeat in their last 12 matches against Italian clubs .
PSG’s Achraf Hakimi enjoyed his most productive European campaign last season , and has found the net in three of the club’s last four UCL matches. Luis Enrique will have to do without Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué, both who are ruled out for several weeks.
Meanwhile, PSG via their official X handle, posted an exclusive video documenting their journey to European glory last season, a feat they would be hoping to repeat this season, but first they must focus on their season opener against Atalanta as they begin their title defense quest, watch the video below;
Atalanta midfielder Mario Pašalić is one to watch, having scored the opener in the 2020 quarter-final against PSG and netting the comeback goals in both of his last two away games in the competition. Atalanta are also hit by injuries, with Gianluca Scamacca and Éderson ruled out of this game.
Possible Starting Lineups
Paris Saint-Germain possible starting lineup:
Chevalier; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Neves, Vitinha, Ruiz; Mbaye, Ramos, Barcola
Atalanta BC possible starting lineup:
Carnesecchi; Scalvini, Hien, Djimsiti; Bellanova, De Roon, Pasalic, Zalewski; De Ketelaere, Maldini; Krstovic
Atalanta confirmed the team’s departure via the team’s official X handle, to Paris where they would face the reigning European champions in this year’s season opener, see video below;
SoftFootball’s Prediction
Atalanta’s attacking approach means they are rarely pushovers on the European stage, but PSG’s quality and depth at the Parc des Princes should prove decisive in their title defense opener.
Prediction: PSG 3-1 Atalanta
