UEFA Champions League (UCL) holders Paris Saint-Germain kick off their title defence here against Atalanta, who themselves won a European trophy not too long ago
Match News and Current Form
PSG enter Europe’s premier competition for a 14th successive season with hopes of reaching the latter stages of the competition just as they have in each of the previous 13. Unbeaten in 11 of their last 13 games to kick off a UCL group/league phase (W8, D3), PSG should be well placed to take the first step on the road to the knockouts once again. Having already won the UEFA Super Cup this season, making it through the league phase is probably an expectation for boss Luis Enrique, who has won an impressive 65% of his UCL games as a manager (W40, D6, L16).
Winners of the Europa League in 2023/24, Atalanta have every reason to believe here after finishing two points and six places above PSG in last season’s league phase before crashing out in the knockout round play-off. Going even further than that will be the aim for new boss Ivan Jurić, who will manage in the UCL for the very first time in what certainly appears to be a baptism of fire. Despite the apparent gulf in class here, Atalanta can lean on a solid record across their last 14 UEFA competition group/league phase games (W8, D5, L1), including an unbeaten run in eight such away games (W5, D3).
Head-to-Head History
This is just the second meeting between these sides since PSG knocked Atalanta out of the 2019/20 UCL quarter-finals. That was Atalanta’s only defeat in five games against French opposition (W2, D2), while PSG are unbeaten in 11 of their last 12 against Italian sides (W5, D6).
Hot Stats and Streaks
PSG scored 3+ goals in four of their last six UCL home games.
PSG have played 99 UCL games since their last goalless draw in the competition.
Seven of Atalanta’s last nine UCL away games saw goals in both halves.
Atalanta have scored in each of their last 15 European group/league phase away games.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
PSG’s Achraf Hakimi enjoyed his best ever goal-contributing UCL season last time around (G4, A5) - he scored in three of PSG’s last four games in this competition. Atalanta’s Mario Pašalić scored first in the 2020 UCL quarter-final H2H and netted equalising goals with both of his last two UCL away strikes.
PSG duo Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué are ruled out for several weeks, while Atalanta will be without both Gianluca Scamacca and Éderson.
For all the latest team news, please check the Flashscore match centre.
Betting Analysis
Atalanta’s games haven’t lacked entertainment this season, and when coupling that with PSG’s rampant frontline, we’re backing both teams to score and over 2.5 goals.
Author: Matthew Billon